Allen Eyestone/Palm Beach Post/ZUMA PressTiger Woods is making a big announcement about returning to golf, but I still think he's an arrogant skeeze. Why do I feel this way, Answer B!tch?
—LaNeice, via the Answer B!tch inbox
Because Tiger Woods hasn't done much to convince you that he's abandoned his arrogant, skeezy ways.
In fact, judging from Tiger's behavior since his auto accident, he doesn't really care what you think of him at all. If he did, he'd be taking questions at this so-called "public statement" thing he's planning for Friday, and inviting more than just his handpicked friends.
If Tiger really wants to win back our hearts, here's what the experts say he should be doing:
1. Dump the respect-my-privacy routine.
The wholesome family-friendly daddy image that was sold to us—largely through Woods' sponsors and endorsement partners—was a fraud, and the golfer needs to address that in an actual back-and-forth conversation.
If Woods thinks he's been thrown under the bus by the media, great. If not, great. He can say whatever he wants. But the longer he holds the public at arm's length, the longer he'll continue to suffer under the arrogant control-freak reputation he's built for himself.
"Not taking questions at his Friday appearance is a big mistake," says Men's Fitness editor-in-chief Roy Johnson, who has interviewed Woods several times. "Until he answers questions, it will not be a full-fledged first step toward his return to golf."
2. Talk with the fans and media, not at them.
Again, engage the public.
"Taking questions from the media shows that he no longer has anything to hide, and he's able to express that he wants to begin the healing at home and on the golf course," veteran sports PR consultant Gail Sideman tells me.
"To do anything differently only brings the episode back to the public's mind and displays him as controlling."
3. Go outside, hang with pals.
Look at the sun, breathe the fresh air—it'll do you good, and not just health-wise.
"He needs to be seen golfing again with trusted friends," says publicist Ann Marie van den Hurk.
By doing that, Tiger will earn the inevitable tabloid headlines about "reaching out" to "close friends" for "help with healing." In fact, those sorts of outings appear to have already begun, judging from a recent shot of Woods jogging with a cohort.
4. While you're at it, take the kids out, too.
"He needs to be seen interacting with his children," van den Hurk also suggests.
And pronto. Women are the ones most upset with him, and some public family bonding could do him a world of good.
5. Signal he's ready to change his behavior at work.
"I would encourage him to be more respectful of the game—can the club-throwing and swearing during tournaments—and spend a few more minutes each tournament signing autographs," Sideman says.
"It's not difficult to put on a smile and share a few minutes each week with people that pay to see you play."
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Remember, this whole Tiger Woods thing is all about the ladies.