THE WORLD is getting a rare glimpse inside Tiger Woods, and it's seeing a young man struggling with maturity, and trying to overcome pride.
Woods was ugly during the weekend at the U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills. He whined about the course, his former coach Butch Harmon, photographers taking too many pictures, the weather and the intrusive media en route to a 10-over-par finish, which left him tied for 17th.
Woods, though, never criticized himself, but it's time for a self-examination to find out where he is headed.
It's one thing to become irrelevant, which Woods was at the Open, and another to become irrelevant and behave like a brat.
What has gone wrong?
Some suggest that the departure of Harmon nearly two years ago has caused Woods' recent slump of no wins in the past eight majors. Others suggest it is fiancee Elin Nordegren. The development of other players might also be a factor, or Woods' quick rise to the top might have caused some complacency.
It's actually all of the above, which means Woods, 28, needs to make some adjustments and grow up.
Woods has lost his edge. Following a poor day, he used to vow to come back with greatness the next one, but the disdain for losing no longer appears on his face.
The new Woods has become soft and content. Jack Nicklaus went through a similar period in his prime, going winless in 12 majors. He admits to coasting after dominating so early in his career. If it can happen to Nicklaus, it can happen to Woods.
Eight players have won majors since Woods won his last one in 2002. Ernie Els and Vijay Singh are challenging him for No. 1 player status. Els, Singh, Phil Mickelson and Sergio Garcia have more victories this season.
It has to be frustrating for Woods, but he put himself in this situation. He was the one who declared he was going after Nicklaus' record of 18 professional major championships.
His tenacity and fitness forced his peers to become more aware of their diets, and to become stronger to keep pace with his longer drives. All Woods did was win eight majors before he was 27 as Tigermania ran wild.
It's understandable why the inner drive isn't as strong. Imagine being the best in the world at age 28. Imagine having more money and fame than you've ever dreamed of.
That Nicklaus streak, well, it can wait. Woods has a life now.
In the last two years, instead of eating, drinking and sleeping golf, Woods actually goes on vacation. He enjoys scuba diving. He spends time with his fiancee.
Let's put it in perspective: At the same age as Woods, a lot of us were looking to settle down both professionally and personally. I can't blame Woods for trying to have a life.
I do blame him for being stubborn. If he wants to regain dominance, Woods should rehire Harmon, who can bring back his magical swing, the one that delivers drives so long and powerful that they whistle through the air. It's no coincidence that the last time Woods won a major title was in 2002, the same year he fired Harmon.
Harmon was in favor of the big-muscle approach, where you control the swing with your back, chest and shoulders. Woods is still using part of that technique, but he's implementing parts of another where the swing is controlled by the arms and hands.
The styles are too contrasting. It's not working.
Woods could make the phone call and rehire Harmon, who had worked with Woods since he was 16. But their differences supposedly are irreconcilable because the egos are too huge.
But after the performance over the weekend, Woods needs to make some changes. The Wonderboy acted like a Babyboy.
He had trouble controlling himself, and his caddie, Steve Williams. On Friday, Williams kicked a camera out of the hands of a New York Daily News photographer. Two days later, he pulled the camera out of the hands of a fan who happened to be an off-duty police officer.
They were causing Woods too much distraction.
After play on Sunday, Woods criticized the U.S. Golf Association.
"It's terrible. Our national championship, and they lost control of the golf course," Woods said.
Oh Tiger, please.
Woods had better watch himself. He is still golf's biggest draw, There is a segment of fans who want Woods to succeed. They like excellence, and prefer dominance.
But there is also a segment of America that has grown tired of Woods. It's the dynasty syndrome, just as some of us hate the Yankees and the old Cowboys and Celtics. Mickelson is the star they want to replace Woods. He likes children and signs autographs. Woods is bland. Mickelson is colorful.
But regardless of whether Woods ever regains his old form to make a serious run at Nicklaus or fizzles out, there is no reason for him to whine.
Woods has done a lot in the early years of his career, but it's time for him to take the next step.
Tiger Woods still has some growing up to do.
