Associated Press
Friday, November 10

LOS ANGELES -- Fred Couples says whatever Tiger Woods deserves, he doesn't deserve criticism from golf fans.

Woods has complained that the PGA Tour takes advantage of him by using his image in "implied endorsements," saying he wants to control his marketing rights.

"I wouldn't say he was out of line; he isn't," Couples said in a conference call Thursday. "He's bringing the tour gravy. He's making every tournament he plays in a lot better, a lot stronger.

"He's made purses go up, ratings go up. Without Tiger on the tour, it wouldn't be an issue. We would be looking at Phil Mickelson as No. 1, but I don't think our tour would be as outstanding as it is.

"People say Tiger has increased interest in the tour tenfold, but it's more like ten-thousandfold."

Woods has won nine times this year, and causes TV ratings to spike every time he plays a tournament, and to soar when he's leading.

"It's an unbelievable run," Couples said. "The guy has done so much for golf, it's been bizarre. I don't see it slowing down."

Couples said he was listening to a radio talk show when many callers were critical of Woods' statements.

"Any comment the No. 1 player makes kind of takes a beating," Couples said. "You look at Tiger, there are going to be moments when you are bashed for who you are and what you are. I hope people don't look at Tiger too harshly."

In an interview to be published in Friday's issue of Golf World magazine, Woods said commissioner Tim Finchem speaks to him only when he wants him to play in a certain tournament. Woods said his frustration could "could escalate into a bigger situation."

Although Couples obviously supports Woods, he also seems to have some ambivalent feelings about how any demands might impact the tour.

"At the age of 24, he's getting this, he's getting that, he's making $50 million a year (about $54 million next year in endorsements). He could play on the PGA Tour for nothing, when you make that kind of money," Couples said. "Who's to say some new kid won't come out (on tour), then want something."

Couples believes Woods would not do anything detrimental to the game.

"I'm sure he's going to do everything he can to help golf, not crawl in a hole because of this or that," said Couples, who will defend his Skins Game title Nov. 25-26 in Indio, Calif.

Woods won't be a part of the four-player field.