Woods a "Humbled Tiger"

(CBS)  Tiger Woods is "a humbled Tiger" who was "obviously a different guy in many ways," but still shows the fire in his belly whenever the subject of his return to golf comes up, says Kelly Tilghman, who did one of two interviews of Woods that aired at the same time Sunday.

Woods admitted he was "living a lie" and said he was responsible for the sex scandal that engulfed his world, adding nobody in his inner-circle knew about his infidelity, Woods told Tilghman.

The other interview was on ESPN.

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Tilghman has been close with Woods, has known him for 14 years, and has served as the emcee at some of his clinics.

The interviews marked the first time Woods has spoken to reporters one-on-one since the infamous accident in late November that led to word of his sexcapades becoming public.

He told Tilghman, "I did it. I'm the one who did those things. And, looking back on it now with a more clear head, I get it. I can understand why people would (mock and criticize him) because, you know what? It was disgusting behavior, and it's hard to believe that was me, looking back on it now."

On "The Early Show" Monday, Tilghman told co-anchor "Harry Smith "it had been a long time" since she'd seen Woods, "I think, since September of 2009. Obviously, (he was) a different guy in many ways. You could tell he was a little tired from the last few months and the road that he has been traveling. He was certainly gentle in his demeanor and had a soft look in his eyes, especially on the personal notes of conversation.

"But anytime we started talking about golf, a fire was in him that reminded me of the tiger of old and there was a genuine excitement to get back to competing, which he stated in that interview."

Woods is slated to return to golf at next month's Masters from his self-imposed exile.

Smith remarked that Tiger seemed "sort of a humbled Tiger."

Tilghman agreed, saying she "was just gonna use that phrase that you used so aptly there -- a humbled Tiger. I remember the first time I met him back in 1996, what a young guy he was, just off his U.S. amateur victories -- three in a row. Just breaking into the professional scene, the world scene. And I remember he reminded me of that guy that I met with that innocent smile that he had on his face, but also that fire in his belly and that confidence that he could go out and do something special on the world stage. And everyone's looking forward to the Masters. And I would say at the top of that list just might be Tiger Woods."

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"I think," Tilghman told Smith, "all in all, he's going to keep any details that relate to him and his wife to himself, and she will likely do the same for the rest of her life. She's always been a very quiet character in the world of golf. So I think that is gonna remain the same no matter what the forum is." Woods also kept mum about details of the accident.

Tilghman says it was clear Woods misses his late father and the guidance he used to provide very much, and that Woods is fully embracing the principles of his Buddhist faith.

[GlamourGoneGood]

Whether you love or hate Tiger Woods, we've got tickets and accommodations for the Masters in Augusta here: http://******/clvM2Q

[carmenlight]

Tiger Woods seems to be in the fight of his life. Tiger is desperately trying to save his marriage and his family. Tiger repeatedly has said publicly that he loves Elin and the children and that they are the most important thing of his life. You have to feel sorry for the guy. Tiger gave his soul to the devil in exchange for pleasures of the flesh. He may pay for this the rest of his life, more so if he looses Elin Nordegren and his children! I pray that whatever Elin decides to do work the best for her and her two precious children. My heart goes to them!

[enorling]

Tiger is a fellow human being of flesh and blood, just like you and I. As such, we all have the opportunity to excel at something and then share it with others to inspire and promote a better planet in some way. He obviously is inspiring others to go outside and enjoy the fresh air and exercise of golf. I applaud him for this. What will your contribution be?

Sappy, I know, but you get the point. Come on, lets stop bickering and get back to life.

[parisdakar]

Just shut up and play golf Tiger.

[Scimajor]

He needs to get back to golf for the sake of the other golfers. Whether you like him or not he's the lifeblood of golf and has been for many years.

[aubfmet]

Fidelity in marriage would do far more for our country than a better golf game. How is Tiger going to contribute to that cause.

[NowBeWithThat]

The Masters draws too well-bred a crowd to boo Mr. Woods based on his personal life. They come to see him play golf, which he does quite well.

Booing is for the reality show addicts and no-count haters who frankly need to get a life.

[Cyber998]

Attraction and desiring sex is part of our biology (God made us desire affairs). It's absurd to claim a kind God would make people desire something which they shouldn't do (that's not providing free-will, that's just providing cruelty)

The only bad aspect of extra-martial affairs is the lying but thats only necessary because of arrogant and despotic types forcing their opinions on others. The fact is everyone is biologically wired to desire extra-martial sexual encounters, it's basic evolutionary biology. Anyone who says they aren't are just lying to either you or themselves.

[enaid3]

Who cares about that slime ball Tiger Woods. He and his wife deserve each other. Now go off into the sunset and spend your millions, but leave us alone!

[enaid3]

Who cares about that slime ball Tiger Woods. He and his wife deserve each other. Now go off into the sunset and spend your millions, but leave us alone!