AP
Tiger played a Pro-Am with Peyton Manning (left) and Anthony Gonzalez in April.
Hi, Tiger, what are your thoughts on the NFL? Will you be watching much football since the first NFL games are this weekend?
— Zack from Cheswick, Pa.
I do like football, both college and the pros. Naturally, in college, I support Stanford, and in the pros, I grew up an Oakland Raiders fan. It was a wild first week in college football with Oklahoma losing and Sam Bradford unfortunately getting hurt. I'm not sure if you're a Steelers or Eagles fan, Zack, but it looks like both are loaded. I'm hoping JaMarcus Russell can have a big year, and the Raiders do have a good ground attack with Darren McFadden.
What kind of goals did you have when you first started out in golf? Did you know at one point you were going to be really good?
— Kate from North Ridgeville, Ohio
Kate, I've had the same goal in golf since nearly my first round, and that's to always try to improve. People wonder why I've changed my swing, practice those long hours or spend a lot of time in the gym, and that's the answer. Golf is a game in which you can continue to get better, but you've got to work at it. Pop always told me that you get out what you put in, and I think that's absolutely true.
Tiger, my name is Quinn, and I'm going to be 7 years old. You are my favorite golfer. My dad and I watch you all the time. I play golf almost every day. I even take lessons at my local golf course, and you make me want to be a better player. Thank you very much.
— Quinn from White Plains, N.Y.
Nice to meet you, Quinn. Like me, it sounds like you have a great dad, someone you enjoy spending time with. I'm glad you're playing a lot of golf and taking lessons, but also remember to have fun. Are you trying other sports, too? There may be another activity you also like. Are you keeping up with the schoolwork? My mom and pop always told me that school comes first, and I bet your dad says the same thing. You know what? He's right.
Hi, Tiger, since your injury, have you had any pain in your leg?
— Janet from Irvine, Texas
You know, Janet, I've been really lucky and have been nearly pain free. I think there are a couple reasons for that. First, I was good about following the doctor's orders. There were times I wanted to push the envelope (and sometimes I did), but overall I did exactly what I was told. Second, I made rehab a challenge. When I was spending long hours on the bike, in the pool or in therapy, I had a goal to get better. It was almost like preparing for a major. I knew I had to work hard to meet my objective which, is this case, was getting back on tour.
Tiger, do you think that it is important for kids to go to college and then pursue a sports career? Or do you think that if they are good enough, they should turn pro early?
— Rich from Fort Worth, Texas
Rich, I think that's a question that can only be answered by the child and his or her parents. My folks always stressed education. There were times I wasn't allowed to run track or play golf because my grades didn't meet their expectations. Attending and playing at Stanford is one of the highlights of my life. I met great and brilliant people and made friends that I'll have the rest of my life.