Golf:Former US Open champion Geoff Ogilvy has urged exiled world number one Tiger Woods to make his return to the public eye away from the golf course out of respect for the game and his fellow professionals.
Woods has taken an indefinite break from golf after the scandal surrounding his private life erupted at the end of November.
And while the speculation continues as to the Woods’ current whereabouts and when he will return to the course, Ogilvy believes the 14-time major winner should do his best to diffuse the expected media frenzy.
“I think the least amount of circus he could face would be if he went to Augusta first. That would be the most controlled environment he could be in, but if he truly, truly wants to win Augusta, he’s going to have to play before then,” said Ogilvy.
“I think he should come out away from the golf course. One, out of respect for all the other players, and two, to diffuse the circus part of it at least before he actually gets to the golf tournament.
“It would be nice if he came out away from the golf tournament and when he came out to a golf tournament it would still be crazy, but the tabloid edge might be gone.”
World number nine Ogilvy kicks off his European Tour campaign at the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship this week after making an ideal start to the year by defending his SBS Championship title in Hawaii at the start of January.
“Everyone wants him back. Golf tournaments are more enjoyable when he’s there. It’s not a hollow victory when you win when he’s not there, but it’s a lot better when you win when he’s there. He’s still, at 34, the best player ever up to this point in his career,” added the 32-year-old Australian.
“If he continues it on, he may be the best ever, but for the last 14 years, it’s been pretty impressive. It’s still better to have him around.
“I think most guys want him back. I think guys are just curious, everyone wants to know, everyone wants the full scoop of where he is and everyone just wants to get back to normal.”