Tiger Woods, Elin Nordegren Divorce Finalized

Almost one year ago, we all sat on edge trying to figure out what was going on with Tiger Woods when he crashed on Nov. 27, 2009. Today, after almost a year of hearing of Tiger's transgressions, TMZ reports that Tiger Woods and Elin Nordegren's divorce is indeed final. Because of Woods' indiscretions, Nordegren walks away from the broken marriage $100 million richer. Statements released by Woods and ex-wife Nordegren show they are doing things right by the children. Outwardly, they get along better than most together couples. Then again, can outward appearances be trusted? View Tiger's apology here.

When It Comes To Marriage, Money Doesn't Guarantee Happiness

All you have to do is read a couple of magazines to figure the above statement out. While there are plenty of people getting divorced these days, normally their divorces aren't such an open book, the world seemingly waiting on the next step of the divorce action. Unfortunately for them, sports stars and their wives/husbands don't have the luxury of privacy. Such is the price of fame.

How Tiger Woods' Divorce Compares to Other Sports Stars and Their Divorces

One other professional athlete stands out in my mind, perhaps because he too is a golfer. Golfer Greg Norman's first divorce from his wife of 25 years was also due to indiscretions on his part. There are some glaring differences when comparing Woods' and Norman's divorces, though.

Norman had one affair publicly known, and a subsequent marriage to that woman, who also happens to be an elite athlete, Chris Everett. Woods had numerous affairs, and doesn't look like he's heading toward marriage with any of them. The other glaring difference is their wives, or should I say ex-wives. While Norman's ex-wife received about the same amount of money as Tiger's ex-wife, $100 million, their actions were quite different.

Despite the embarrassment of having her husband and his mistresses splashed across the news on a daily basis, Nordegren showed restraint and class. She has yet to go on any public rant or campaign against her unfaithful husband. Norman's ex-wife took a very different stance. Laura Andrassy and Greg Norman, according to writer Jose Lambiet, had a public war for three years. Norman has said that he felt that was what his "slump" and then "rebirth" was all about in his game. He felt he could not perform "up to par," so to speak, with poisonous words being flung around and weighing him down. When the war of words eased up, his game improved.

It is possible that this difference will make a difference in Woods' game as well. Nordegren showed restraint and class. She, in turn, is not just helping Woods return to his game to the best of his ability, but will obviously help their two children through these trying times.

Tiger's Game Now That The Marriage Is Officially Over

Tiger Woods appears to be humbled and embarrassed by his mistakes, which is more than I can say for many unfaithful sports figures. Woos took his leave of absence when all of the craziness was splashed cover-to-cover in every magazine and newspaper. It appears that this divorce will end a lot more quietly than it began.

In my opinion he should be able to hold the same standards of previous years in his game and put this mess behind him. After all, it appears as a family, the Woods have, so let's hope the public will as well, now that the divorce between Tiger Woods and Elin Nordegren is official.

http://www.tmz.com/2010/08/23/tiger-woods-divorce-finalized-elin-nordegren/
http://www.page2live.com/2009/03/06/chris-evert-to-normans-ex-get-a-job/