Mark Madden: Tiger Woods is golf's most popular attraction, so make some exceptions to sacred rules

Nov 24, 2023

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If Tiger Woods can still make the shots but can’t walk, the PGA and the four major tournaments should let him use a cart. (Here’s betting LIV Golf would.)

It would violate one of golf’s most sacred rules and give Woods an unfair advantage over the rest of the field.

But this isn’t about fair. It’s about business. Even at 47, Woods is still golf’s most popular attraction. He moves the needle.

Woods withdrew from The Masters on Sunday because of plantar fasciitis, a foot condition. Woods suffered a compound fracture to his right leg in a 2021 car crash and since has been troubled by walking the course.

It’s painful for Woods and difficult to watch. He occasionally uses a club as a makeshift cane. It’s reminiscent of Willie Mays stumbling around in the 1973 World Series.

Are the rules of golf so sacred that an exception can’t be made for somebody who has done so much to popularize the sport?

They probably are.

But there are already whispers to that end. Don’t 100% rule it out.

There is precedent: John Daly and Casey Martin have used carts at major championships after applying via the Americans with Disabilities Act. If Woods pursued that path, he would likely qualify.

Woods withdrew after seven holes of his third round. He was 9-over-par. Woods made the cut at plus-3, then fell apart. When Woods quit, he was in last place among players who made the cut.

Woods would have had to play 29 holes Sunday to complete the tournament. It’s much better he didn’t try.

Is just making the cut an accomplishment for arguably the greatest golfer ever?

Golf’s media seem to think so. Words like “bravery” and “guts” get freely thrown around, as if Woods was storming Omaha Beach.

Setting the bar so low would be demeaning to Woods — if anything at all was allowed to be demeaning to Woods. He might not get to ride in a cart till (if) he joins the Champions Tour, but Woods will always have his water carried.

That’s the most sickening part of Woods’ decline: The refusal to see Woods for what he is, namely broken.

Sunday’s New York Post headline was typical: “Never count him out.”

It’s safe to count Woods out. He’s done winning, won’t ever again come close unless he gets to use a cart and probably not even then.

That’s no comment on his play’s decline. He’s got a rod, pins and screws in his right leg. An amputation was nearly performed.

Woods fell three wins short of Jack Nicklaus’ 18 major championships. He tied Sam Snead with 82 victories in PGA tournaments. If Woods isn’t the best golfer ever, he’s in the top two. But his numbers are done adding up.

Even if you let Woods use a cart.

Woods is a special attraction now. The word “sideshow” seems harsh. But it applies. He’s beloved for the golfer he used to be. Various past indiscretions are ignored. He’s on a pedestal constructed by his skills and charisma that his predilections might not merit.

That’s OK. That’s America. Woods is America.

Let him use a cart. That’s America, too. If Woods declines, he becomes a bigger hero.

You have to love words like “courage” being used to describe golf and golfers. Golf requires skill and mental fortitude but less courage than just about every other sport.

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