"Now, even when asked reasonably sensible golfing questions, he looks like he has terminal piles."

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In the new Golf World "Backspin Issue" (not posted online), the reading is off the charts good with Judy Rankin, Deane Beman, Bill Coore and William Campbell among others sharing their memories instead of the usual story about what they're up to with an accompanying photo revealing how cruel the aging process can be.

And then there's Peter Alliss' take on Tiger Woods.

I've watched Tiger Woods since he was 15 and marvel at what he can do on the golf course. He has been amazing. And there was a time when he smiled and was more gracious. But that has gone. Now, even when asked reasonably sensible golfing questions, he looks like he has terminal piles. He gives nothing back and looks like he hates every minute. He has never learned the art of communication.

Wagering On Golf Up; Suckers Still Liking Tiger At 7-1

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Did I say suckers? I meant the wise American public.

John Strege says the Las Vegas Hilton folks expect to surpass last year's Masters wagering, even with Tiger and Phil struggling. Or maybe because of Tiger and Phil are struggling says the Hilton's Jeff Sherman.

"Tiger's right up there with most tickets written compared with other players. But we had most of our money taken [when he was] at 4 or 5 to 1. At the same time, with his odds being higher, Nick Watney at 15 to 1, Dustin Johnson at 20 to 1, all these guys in the 15 to 20 to 1 range, a lot of people are taking a lot of chances on these guys.

"The most popular golfers right now, ticket-wise, are Dustin Johnson and Matt Kuchar. There are a lot of golfers with a lot of tickets on them. [Tiger's slump] has really spread it out."

What happens should Woods handily win the Arnold Palmer Invitational this week? Or should he miss the cut?

"Based on that scenario [winning handily], I could see him going down to 9 to 2," Sherman said. "If he misses the cut, the odds could hit 10 to 1."

Why haven't the odds moved to 10-1 already?

Separation Anxiety Setting In As TWoods Plays First TCup Not As Member Of IWorth Team

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Beth Kassab in the Orlando Sentinel as Tiger played for "Albany" instead of Isleworth this year in the Excess Classic.

"We held him in really high regard," said Vic Miesel, who specializes in luxury home sales in the Windermere area at Maingate Real Estate. "The luster of his fame has definitely worn off on a lot of people."

Woods didn't say just how quickly he'll leave the luxury lakefront subdivision just outside of Windermere, but the soon-to-be distance will be underscored today when Woods will play for an "away" team on what has long been his home turf.

Woods will represent Albany, a lavish golf and yacht club set to open later this year in the Bahamas, at the Tavistock Cup, which kicks off today at Isleworth. The Tavistock Group's latest development, in which Woods is an investor, is a new addition to the annual golf exhibition.

"It's hard to win anything when you're reconstructing your golf swing and your personal conduct at the same time. It's like trying to change clothes in an airplane bathroom."

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After sitting in on captivating press conferences by Trevino, Watson and Baker-Finch, Tiger's Wednesday performance at Doral was particularly painful to get through. But the writers are paid the big bucks to find something compelling in his remarks and found a few things worth writing about. (Steve Elling's take on Tiger's short game overhaul was already noted here.)
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