Eight-times major golf champion Tom Watson was very candid with reporters prior to the European Tour Dubai Desert Classic. The well-respected golfer, who was beaten in a play-off for the 2009 Open Golf Championship, did not mince his words.

Watson believes Tiger needs to own up to his mistakes, show some humility to the golfing public and sincerely apologize:

"I’ll let the cat out of the bag. Tiger has to take ownership of what he has done. He must get his personal life in order. I think that’s what he’s trying to do. And when he comes back he has to show some humility to the public. I would come out and I would do an interview with somebody and say, ‘You know what? I screwed up. And I admit it. I am going to try to change. I am trying to change. I want my wife and family back."

Watson also feels Tiger has disrespected the sanctity of the game with his on-course behaviour:

"I feel that he has not carried the same stature that other great players that have come along like Jack [Nicklaus], Arnold [Palmer], Byron Nelson, the Hogans, in the sense that there was language and club throwing on the golf course. You can grant that of a young person that has not been out here for a while. But I think he needs to clean up his act and show the respect for the game that other people before him have shown."

GolfbloggerUK have been highly critical of Tiger Woods' punk-ass attitude,and we have said over a long periof time that, if it had been say John Daly that was playing up, this would have been dealt with accordingly. Despite several other sources being highly critical of his on-course conduct he never took heed and it felt like he could do whatever he pleased.

In fairness to Tiger, perhaps his troubles in his private life were spilling over to the golf course. When he does return to competitive play, odds are the “I am Tiger Woods” ego will be less tolerated. So, Tiger, listen to your elders, particularly a class golf act like Watson, who knows how to conduct himself on and off the golf course and who has been a role model for youngsters to follow.

The Ed., GolfbloggerUK