Most anticipated emergence since Ground Hog Day
Golf: Tiger Woods’ first public appearance in three months already is shaping up as a national event.
Tight security restricted access on the road that leads to the TPC Sawgrass clubhouse in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla., where Woods is to speak at 8 a.m. PST today for the first time since his Nov. 27 accident that set off sordid revelations of infidelity.
Networks reworked their programming and, by late Thursday afternoon, seven satellite trucks had already parked outside the Sawgrass Marriott.
All because Woods – surely one of the world’s most-recognized athletes – is about to re-emerge and say something in person regarding his future and his past.
Woods has not been heard in the 78 days since a magazine released a voicemail he allegedly left one of the women to whom he has been romantically linked, warning that Woods’ wife might be calling.
Instead of going on “Oprah” or another national television show to break the ice, Woods essentially will be speaking to the lone camera allowed in the room. It will be televised via satellite.
Three networks – ABC, CBS and NBC – will carry the statement live.
ESPN will have it live on all its platforms, including Internet streaming, radio and mobile.
It also will be piped over YouTube, the Web’s most popular video channel.
Golf Channel will start coverage at 10:30 a.m. – call it a 30-minute pregame show.
The Associated Press reported that Woods is to return to therapy after he speaks, according to a letter from PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem that was obtained by the AP.
Associated Press