Because the TPC is such a popular event down here we haven't been able to go out much because it would simply turn into an autograph session. While many may argue that that is the price of fame, I argue that I should not give up my right to go out with one of my best friends to have a good time because of some star-craved autograph fans. I can understand where they are coming from, but it shouldn't stop us from having a good time. Sometimes, I run interference between autograph seekers who want to interrupt our dinner or approach Tiger like they are his best friend. Fame is nice, but Tiger's still only 21 and while he may play like a PGA Tour veteran, he still likes to simply go out and play pool or have dinner with friends and just have a good time.
Some people have difficulty accepting that.
On the flip side there are others who are sympathetic to the trappings that fame brings, and it's been a wonderful experience for me and Tiger to meet good-hearted people who simply want him to have fun and succeed. There's been talk of how much he can change society, especially in light of the Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year issue, and in my opinion he will. He will because of the number of kids that look up to him. He will because of his charity foundation and his willingness to embrace his responsibility as a role model. He will change the lives of many children, and in turn these children will change the lives of their children and so forth.