Note: This is an excerpt from Scott Hamilton’s “Wired” column, which appears in the Jan. 12 issue of Golfweek.
Being familiar with Kelly Tilghman’s character and her chummy relationship with Tiger Woods – as well as Woods’ sense of humor – I’m more than willing to give her another chance.But you certainly have to file Tilghman’s on-air, on-camera comments during the Mercedes-Benz Championship under the “What was she thinking?” column.
During their usual post-round banter as they wrapped up Day 2 at the Plantation Course at Kapalua, Tilghman and cohort Nick Faldo discussed young players who could possibly challenge Tiger. Faldo, ever the joker (and I still can’t get used to that), said perhaps the youngsters should “gang up (on Tiger) for a while.” The pair laughed a bit before Tilghman responded by saying, “Lynch him in a back alley.” The pair chuckled awkwardly before moving on.
Golf Channel said it received a limited number of complaints regarding the comment.
Tilghman, realizing her faux pas, explained her comments during the final-round broadcast despite the possibility she could have swept the incident under the mat.
“I’ve reached out to Tiger to make an apology, and I’ve done the same with our viewers,” Tilghman said.
“I can assure you that there was never any intention to offend anyone. I’m sorry for any misunderstanding.”
Attempts to reach Woods or his agent, Mark Steinberg of IMG, were unsuccessful. A Golf Channel spokesman said no disciplinary action is planned, “other than the mistake she made is regrettable and an extreme learning experience for her.”
Posted: 1/5/2008
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