Tiger wins over fans in Ireland, but battles with media

Associated Press

ADARE, Ireland

After another warm welcome from the Irish public, Tiger Woods turned curt and dismissive at a news conference Tuesday when asked about his state of mind since the sex scandal that’s wrecked his marriage.

Woods was questioned following his 3-under-par 69 in his final round of the charity J.P. McManus Invitational Pro-Am, his first foreign appearance since the turmoil.

When asked whether his liaisons with other women had been “worth it” since it cost him his marriage and endorsements, Woods replied, “I think you’re looking too deep into this.” He torpedoed the follow-up question with an icily firm “Thank you.”

Woods is returning immediately to his Florida home rather than heading to Scotland to prepare for next week’s British Open at St. Andrews, one of his favorite courses and where he won Opens in 2000 and 2005. Once the subject was broached, the previously easy-speaking Woods flipped a switch into staccato half-sentences.

How will you prepare? “Practicing.”

Where? “Home.”

Why not try and play some links golf in Scotland beforehand? “I need to get home.” Silence.

Why? “See my kids.” Silence.

Throughout the 15-minute news conference Woods had to parry various attempts at a comment on how his marital implosion was affecting his game.

Out on the Adare Manor Golf Course, Woods felt nothing but love and admiration from the more than 20,000 fans who lined the course five-deep to watch his every drive, approach shot and putt.

Armed with a full night’s sleep, Woods breezed through a course that had befuddled him Monday, when he shot a 7-over 79 to fall near the bottom of the field of 54 professionals.

Darren Clarke of Northern Ireland finished first after shooting a 68 for a two-day score of 3-under 141. Woods finished seven shots back, tied for 24th with six others.