Was it okay that Tiger Woods Spit?

**2cents** · 02-15-2011, 05:03 PM

I couldn’t believe the news this morning with people outraged that Tiger Woods spit on the green of the golf course he was playing. One comment was that people playing behind him might step in it. I think the ground would probably soak it up. But isn’t that why people wear shoes? I think it would be really gross to swallow a mouth full of phlegm. Maybe he has allergies that caused the problem and now he will be fined for it. Maybe they need to start putting spittoons on every green.

**TheBigB** · 02-15-2011, 05:32 PM

I think that the Europeans get more offended by spitting than Americans do. Maybe they should add a tour stop in Beijing.

I don't think it was OK that he spit on the green. Walk off the green and spit, OK, but on the green? Do you play golf, 2cents? Do you like to see lugies in your putting line? You do golf, don't you?

The green will not "soak up" phlegm.

I'm not a Tiger hater, but he hasn't been doing himself a lot of favors since his comeback.

**HomeyG** · 02-15-2011, 07:35 PM

I voted no just out of common courtesy to others. Also, one has to consider the customs of the foreign country. Some things that are common practices to us may be offensive to them. For instance in Turkey you did not show the sole of your shoe. One particularly embarrassing moment for me was when I was in Taiwan I would put my thumb between my fingers and tell the little kids that I've got their nose. My wife later told be that it takes a different meaning in Taiwan and it was an obscene gesture and I think if you use your imagination you can figure out it's part of the female body.

**2cents** · 02-15-2011, 08:51 PM

Thanks for the information BigB. No I don't golf, it doesn't seem like a bit of phlegm would cause that much of a problem unless the ball would stick to it. Yuk, It's revolting anyway you look at it but I still think it would be gross to swallow it. It's disgusting that our bodies can produce such disgusting stuff, but it is kind of like a sneeze, being hard to ignore. I guess he should have removed himself from the green if he needed to do that. I just can believe they made such a big deal over it. You and Homey have a good point too about the different cultures. I'm not a fan of Tiger but I can understand how someone would do that without thinking. I guess he should carry a tissue in his pocket next time.

**TheBigB** · 02-15-2011, 10:31 PM

Originally Posted by 2cents

Thanks for the information BigB. No I don't golf, it doesn't seem like a bit of phlegm would cause that much of a problem unless the ball would stick to it. Yuk, It's revolting anyway you look at it but I still think it would be gross to swallow it. It's disgusting that our bodies can produce such disgusting stuff, but it is kind of like a sneeze, being hard to ignore. I guess he should have removed himself from the green if he needed to do that. I just can believe they made such a big deal over it. You and Homey have a good point too about the different cultures. I'm not a fan of Tiger but I can understand how someone would do that without thinking. I guess he should carry a tissue in his pocket next time.

Forget Tiger, forget the European Tour, forget the TV coverage and fans. Even somebody playing out at Hidden Valley would have the wherewithal to walk off the green before spitting.

**HoosierHelen** · 02-16-2011, 05:26 AM

My first reaction to this story was exactly the same as 2cents. How could this be such a big deal? Truth is that I'm not a golfer either. I realized that golfer's were quite pickey about their greens, just hadn't ever thought of it going to this extent. After reading others thoughts on the topic and a short discussion with my son (who is a golfer), I voted that Tiger was wrong.

It seems golfers have a sacred respect for their greens. Being a professional golfer, Tiger should have known this. I highly recommend all golfers carry a tissue in their pockets while on the greens in the future. Perhaps someone will come out with designer, golf tissues for use on their greens?

**hideaway70** · 02-16-2011, 06:16 AM

My opinion is that the spitting, in and of itself, wasn't such a horrible thing. Gross yes, but not a huge issue.

The issue is that it is among a host of rules of etiquette in the PGA, all of which I am sure Tiger is very familiar with. In my opinion, if you agree to play on the tour and accept the big paychecks that come with it, you deal with the rules. If you don't want to then you pay fines. Obviously, Tiger has chosen that path in this case.

Maybe he should consider baseball, where spitting is encouraged.

**Mrs.Slotz** · 02-16-2011, 12:52 PM

I think his body just automatically spit without even thinking about it.

**HoosierHelen** · 02-16-2011, 04:29 PM

Originally Posted by Mrs.Slotz

I think his body just automatically spit without even thinking about it.

ummmm...I don't think so. As adults we are aware and in charge of how/when/where we eliminate our waste (exception being when severly ill or disabled). I don't think Tiger is either of those...just carrying around some arrogant baggage maybe? Pretty sure the fine will not hurt his bank account. I really haven't read what the amount of the fine is? If the fine sends him a 'reality check', and understands the rules continue to apply to him also...it is a worthy fine.

Very glad 2cents brought this topic up. Actually on break this afternoon we discussed the topic. The golfers in my department agreed with my son...Tiger most certainly should have known better. Who knows...this could be a Jeopardy question for one of us in the future. NOW we all know it is wrong!