Tiger Woods believes that the development of the Black Lives Matter movement has been “fantastic” while reiterating his demand that the innocent remain unharmed in the pursuit of equality.
Memorial Tournament Woods will make its first competitive appearance this week following the killing of George Floyd and subsequent mass protests. The most famous player in the world is generally reluctant to delve into political or social topics. Until now, he had only published one post on social media about Floyd’s death.
Asked specifically what progress Black Lives Matter could develop, Woods was marginally more helpful. “I think the change is fantastic,” he said. “As long as we make changes without hurting the innocent – and unfortunately it happened, we hope it won’t happen in the future – but a movement and a change are fantastic.
“This is how society develops. This is how we grow. Here’s how we go on. Here’s how we have equity. Unfortunately we have lost innocent lives along the way, and we hope to never lose more in the future as we move to a much better place socially. “
On Thursday in Dublin, Ohio, Woods will play his first competitive round for five months, with fitness problems and the suspension caused by the PGA Tour coronavirus responsible for much of that delay. The 15-time main winner, however, resisted any temptation to show up in the first six stages of the Tour’s resumption.
“I thought I’d play,” said Woods. “I was trying to figure out if I should play or not. But I felt it was better to stay home and be safe. I am used to playing with many people around me or having many people who have a direct line with me and this puts not only myself in danger but my friends and family. I have just been home practicing and distancing myself from a lot of people.
“I’m used to having so many people around me or even touching me, going from green to tee. It’s something I looked at and said, “Well, I’m not really comfortable with that, the whole idea.” Let’s see how it went before, how it started and I feel comfortable enough to come back here and play again. I am thrilled to do it. “
Yet the 44-year-old admitted playing Covid-19 as a background is something he cannot ignore. “This is the risk I am taking. This is the risk that we are all taking. “
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