Tiger Answers His Fans

This was posted on PGATour.com today : "EDITOR'S NOTE: Each week, Tiger Woods responds to five Club Tiger member e-mails on www.tigerwoods.com. In this edition, he talks about the Official World Golf Ranking and gives some tips on learning to play the game."

There were actually four posted questions answered, uh, succinctly by Tiger:

Q. I was just wondering if you prefer playing tournaments on the East-West coastal areas, and why? I notice that there are some tournaments in the central parts of the U.S. but, you generally never play in them. (Valero Open, in Texas) Is this just a preference of the geographic areas or just a natural playing preference? -Chris from Clinton

A. I determine where I'm going to play based on where the tournament falls on the schedule. Whoa! Warm and fuzzy one there! What insight!

And how about this elaborate answer:

Q. Hi Tiger. As a fairly new fan to golf, I have had the opportunity to see you play at La Costa for the last three years. My boyfriend and I make the trip every year now, and we are looking forward to seeing you (this week). I'm definitely a fan of golf now. Next step ... getting the courage to try and play the game. Any advice for a beginner? -Kristy from Mesa

A. Practice, practice, practice and make it fun!

Kind of hearkens back to Bobby Jones’s old instruction writings, eh? And then there's this profound exchange…

Q. While my father gave golf lessons to the blind, he found that putting can be improved by practicing with your eyes closed. He recommends practicing for 30 minutes with your eyes closed for improved sensitivity and feel for where the ball is going. He loves you, Tiger, and wanted to share this with you. Good luck in reaching your lifetime goal. -Susanne from Cleveland, Ohio

A. Your father is a smart man!

If you weren't a fan before, you must be now! Somebody get Tiger a cup of water, his throat must be dry from dictating these detailed, thoughtful answers.