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Tom Watson says Tiger Woods needs to "show some humility to the public" when he returns to golf after sorting out his personal life.
Watson also said Wednesday that Woods should clean up his on-course behavior in order to be considered among the true greats of the game.
"I'll let the cat out of the bag," Watson said ahead of the Dubai Desert Classic. "Tiger has to take ownership of what he has done. He must get his personal life in order. I think that's what he's trying to do. And when he comes back he has to show some humility to the public.
"I would come out and I would do an interview with somebody and say, 'You know what? I screwed up. And I admit it. I am going to try to change. I am trying to change. I want my wife and family back."
Tom Watson says Tiger Woods needs to "show some humility to the public" when he returns to golf after sorting out his personal life.
Watson also said Wednesday that Woods should clean up his on-course behavior in order to be considered among the true greats of the game.
"I'll let the cat out of the bag," Watson said ahead of the Dubai Desert Classic. "Tiger has to take ownership of what he has done. He must get his personal life in order. I think that's what he's trying to do. And when he comes back he has to show some humility to the public.
"I would come out and I would do an interview with somebody and say, 'You know what? I screwed up. And I admit it. I am going to try to change. I am trying to change. I want my wife and family back."
The 60-year-old Watson, one of golf's elder statesmen, also
criticized Woods -- a 14-time major winner -- for bad language and other
on-course behavior.
"I feel that he has not carried the same stature that other great players that have come along like Jack (Nicklaus), Arnold (Palmer), Byron Nelson, the Hogans, in the sense that there was language and club throwing on the golf course," Watson said. "You can grant that of a young person that has not been out here for a while. But I think he needs to clean up his act and show the respect for the game that other people before him have shown."
Woods is on an indefinite break since his car crash Nov. 27 that fueled sordid tales of extramarital affairs.
"I feel that he has not carried the same stature that other great players that have come along like Jack (Nicklaus), Arnold (Palmer), Byron Nelson, the Hogans, in the sense that there was language and club throwing on the golf course," Watson said. "You can grant that of a young person that has not been out here for a while. But I think he needs to clean up his act and show the respect for the game that other people before him have shown."
Woods is on an indefinite break since his car crash Nov. 27 that fueled sordid tales of extramarital affairs.
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Swearing or throwing golf clubs doesn't really matter. Just leave the guy alone, he's trying to be a better person.
Tiger Woods is a complete jerk. He will fake humility. All he wants is a chance to chase down new waitresses. Elin should kick him in the nads, file for divorce, and make sure he foots the bill for a very long time.
Tom Watson's opinion is just that and nothing more. He sounds a little green with envy and I can't tell if it stems from the game or the girls. Could he have beaten Tiger head-to-head? Or, did he not get his share of groupies when he as a younger man?
Really? Why is what Tom Watson has to say news? NONE of this is our business - this is between Tiger and his wife.