Golf Media Not Happy With Criticism Of Tiger Woods Coverage

Originally posted on The Spun | By Andrew Holleran | Last updated Apr 1, 2026 2:36 PM ET

Does golf media have a Tiger Woods problem?

Awful Announcing, the preeminent sports media blog in today's online world, wrote about the issue between Woods and the golf media in their latest newsletter.

"Golf media, at every level from Barstool fan-journalists to legacy broadcast institutions, has organized itself around the proposition that Tiger Woods is the sport's most valuable asset and must be handled accordingly. That proposition was reasonable for a long time, and it remains largely true, given that Woods remains the most important figure in professional golf even as his playing career winds down," Sam Neumann wrote.

"What's never been true is the corollary, that because Woods is valuable to the sport, he’s owed protection from the people whose job it is to cover it. That assumption has operated quietly for years, rarely articulated and never seriously challenged, because it never had to be. The incidents that required a reckoning kept getting absorbed into the larger Tiger narrative — the comeback, the demons, the complexity of the man — and the coverage moved on."

Some in the golf media world, though, have taken issue with the criticism.

Does golf media have a problem covering Woods?

"Presenting Riggs and Rapaport as 'golf media' as a whole is lazy, even for you guys," Mark Harris of Outkick wrote.

"You don't bite the hand that's been feeding you for almost 30 years...," another wrote.

"There is a good piece of nuanced media criticism to be written about Woods coverage, but you have to do a lot more work than this lazy effort," longtime golf writer Kevin Van Valkenburg added.

"Anyone who reported on this as more than what was originally reported is just operating for headlines. I think it’s good to wait for more information. Just bashing someone is what gossip is. Pros sit back and wait for info not speculate. I’m glad CBS&golf media show reserve," another added.

Woods, meanwhile, is taking a step away to get help.

"I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today," the 15-time major champion said in a statement posted to his social media accounts Tuesday night. "I am stepping away for a period of time to seek treatment and focus on my health. This is necessary in order for me to prioritize my well-being and work toward lasting recovery.

"I'm committed to taking the time needed to return to a healthier, stronger, and more focused place, both personally and professionally. I appreciate your understanding and support, and ask for privacy for my family, loved ones and myself at this time."

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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