Woods needs to master temper

It is unfortunate Masters champion Tiger Woods has no respect for the tradition of golf.

There are acceptable outbursts of anger over a flubbed shot, and there are unacceptable outbursts. After Woods hit his second shot on No. 18 into the right-side green bunker, he asked God to “damn it.” It was not clear whether he was asking God to damn the ball, or his lousy shot. That, however, is not the point. Gentlemen golfers do not take the Lord’s name in vain. Woods does it repeatedly.

Woods will gain the respect of true golfers when he starts displaying his anger in a more acceptable manner. This would include the traditionally acceptable emotional eruptions such as breaking clubs over your knee, tossing your club in the nearest water hazard, muttering unintelligible words, or tearing your clothing.

He needs to be more self-deprecating. Bobby Jones had his early bout with anger and overcame it.

If Clifford Roberts or Jones were alive, they may have booted Woods for good. The Masters’ officials should make Woods eat a bar of mint julep soap until he learns to display his anger in a more time-honored manner without calling on God to do his dirty work.

Jim Connolly

Spokane Valley