Their chances of winning tournaments are better without him, but it’s clear the players on the PGA Tour would much rather have Tiger Woods in the field Thursday through Sunday.

At this weekend’s tour stop, Tiger’s statement on Friday was a big topic of conversation.  Many have reached into their bags and pulled out the ‘no comment’ club.  A few others offer milquetoast responses to reporters’ questions.  They’re tired of talking about it and really, what can they say?  Passing judgment in public likely wouldn’t be well accepted by some.

It would be nice to see more players offer up some thoughtful responses on the whole subject because it has so many tentacles that affect the tour, pro sports and society.  Did Tiger pull the wool over our eyes by letting his marketers form this ‘determined family man’ image?  Is he a victim of too much success too soon?  Few of his PGA Tour colleagues are willing to even share their opinions.

Here’s what they were saying this week:

No doubt, the players probably lay a lot of the blame for what could be a very soft season squarely on Tiger. There are other stars playing pro golf, but Woods is such a mega force that a lot of people dismiss the Tour without him as if a win doesn’t really count if Tiger isn’t in the field. The Tour needs him and it doesn’t sound like he’s anywhere ready to come back. Tiger and “the rest of the field” are joined at the hip, for better or worse. They say they’ll be patient and wait for him, but the circus that will ensue once he does come back isn’t something the “field” deserves.

Bobby Jones autographed photo

The check that “Old Tom” Morris used to purchase the building and shop on Links Road in St. Andrews, the ancestral home of golf is part of a grouping of golf autographs up for bid in a sports memorabilia auction scheduled for April.

The Mark Emerson collection includes every Hall of Fame golfer except “Young Tom” Morris – of whom there are no known surviving signatures.

The check with “Old Tom’s” signature is one of very few known copies of the legendary golfer’s autograph. It is estimated at $6,000-$8,000.  This exact item, a check for 800 pounds, gave him outright title to the building and shop on Links Road in St. Andrews that bears his name to this day.

Also in the auction is an exceptionally high quality signed Bobby Jones photo from the 1920s.

“An autographed photo of this caliber is entirely appropriate of Jones, America’s most beloved golfer and the winner of an astonishing 13 majors in eight years, between 1923 and 1930,” said Mike Gutierrez of Heritage Auctions. “This is a special relic relating to possibly the most timeless name in all of American golf.”

Another important American golfing icon, Walter Hagen, is equally well-represented in the Heritage Auctions April Sports Memorabilia sale, with 1924 signed letter, written on Royal Liverpool stationery with a full fountain pen signature. The spectacular content belies the bravado of the new British Open Champion. It is estimated at $4,000-$6,000.

“On behalf of Mrs. Hagen and myself,” he wrote, “I thank British golfers for the great and cordial reception and many kindnesses we have received while with you to play in the Open Championship. I did not come to win it but to try for it and to enjoy the sportsmanship and friendship which has always been extended in such abundance. With my fellow countrymen I look to the Little Island as the home of golf and it is always a joy to play amongst you. I shall try to come next year and defend the title I am so proud to win. Sincerely yours, (signed) Walter Hagen.”

British golf fans who know their history beyond “Old Tom” and “Young Tom” Morris will be intrigued by the inclusion of an exceedingly are 1865 Andrew Strath handwritten and signed wage receipt, possibly the only Strath signature in existence, estimated at $10,000-$15,000.

Strath became the “Keeper of the Greens” at Prestwick in 1865, following “Old Tom” Morris’s resignation and move to St. Andrews, and promptly won the Open Championship at his new home course. He was a brilliant player in golf’s infancy with four other top four finishes in the Open. Sadly he died of tuberculosis in 1868, making this signed and dated receipt for wages the rarest of the rare in major golf championship memorabilia. Remarkably, his unmarked grave was recently discovered and now a commemorative plaque identifies the forgotten Champion.

The auction takes place April 22-23.  Further highlights of the collection include, but are not limited to:

1918 Johnny McDermott Signed Photograph: In 1911, Johnny McDermott became the first American-born player to win the National Golf Championship and, to this day, McDermott is the youngest US Open Champion of all time at age 19. All previous US Open winners (1895-1910) had been born in the U.K. In 1912, McDermott won again, but shortly after being rescued from a ship accident in 1914, McDermott blacked out at his host club in Atlantic City and he spent the balance of his life in mental hospitals. This is an extremely rare and significant piece, the only known signed photo of McDermott known to exist. Estimate: $2,000-$4,000.

1894 A.F. MacFie Signed Scorecard: The first British Amateur Championship was held in 1885 at Hoylake and was won by MacFie. Nine years later, young Freddie Tait, who himself would win the Amateur twice (in 1896 and 1898) played a challenge match at The Old Course against “Old Tom” Morris and shot a then course record 72. In Tait’s own hand, he wrote down his scores on this sheet and had it attested by none other than A. F. MacFie. This is the only known signature of the first British Amateur Champion. Estimate: $3,000-$5,000.

1888 John Ball, Jr. Handwritten Signed Letter: John Ball Jr. is the most prolific winner of amateur titles in the history of golf. From 1888-1912 he captured the British Amateur Championship no less than eight times and in 1890 he won the Open Championship. Estimate: $3,000-$5,000.

Circa 1920 Harold H. Hilton Signed Photograph: Harold Hilton had an extremely distinguished career, winning the British Amateur title four times from 1900 to 1913. In that span he also won a US Amateur, in 1911 at Apawamis. If that wasn’t enough, he also won two Open Championships as an amateur–in 1892 at Muirfield and in 1897 at Hoylake. This is an original Sport & General Press Agency photo on original studio mount, signed boldly by the seven time major Champ. Very rare. Image size is 6 x 8, with mount expanding the final dimensions to 8 x 10.5. The signature rates an impressive 8/10. Estimate: $2,000-$4,000.

1937 Jim Barnes Signed Photograph: “Long Jim” Barnes was one of golf’s early stars, winning the very first U.S. PGA Golf Championship in 1916 at Siwanoy. After a two year hiatus for World War I, he won again in 1919, and in 1921 he added the US Open title to his credit with President Warren Harding there in person to present the trophy. His final major championship win came when Prestwick hosted its last British Open in 1925. Estimate: $2,000-$4,000.

This would be a Tiger moment.  Except Tiger’s not here.  While golf’s top player attempts to exorcise whatever carnal demons have overtaken his senses, Phil Mickelson is facing talk of cheating for doing some exorcising of his own.

Lefty has taken a loophole in the rulebook and created a firestorm.

The USGA’s ban on square grooved clubs started January 1 but an old lawsuit grandfathered the Ping Eye 2 club in.  It’s totally legal but some of Mickelson’s fellow pros like Rocco Mediate and Scott McCarron say they’re “appalled” and that packing the Ping is “against the spirit of the rule”.

WWTD (what would Tiger do) if he were in Lefty’s big shoes?

He’d stick the club back in the bag (or toss it in the ocean), fix the steely eyed glare and whip those also-rans by a dozen strokes come Sunday.   “You think I need square grooves to beat you?” he’d say to himself.  “I could beat you with a Persimmon driver and a bamboo shaft putter.”

So with Tiger on the sidelines, here’s Lefty’s chance to take over the mantel.  Debate all day whether using the Ping Eye is the right thing to do.  Mickelson just proved himself a little smarter than a lot of the other guys who didn’t realize they could use a club from the post-Reagan years.  Maybe he’s just a smart aleck for using it.  I don’t care.

But Mickelson has a chance to make a major three-word statement this weekend.

“Square Groove This”.

AT&T said Happy Birthday to Tiger Woods by ending Woods’ endorsement deal.  The embattled golfer turned 34 on Wednesday, and is wrapping up a year he’d just as soon forget.

Woods hasn’t been used much by the phone company in advertising, but its logo was on Woods’ golf bag, a multi-year deal signed earlier this year.

AT&T, which is based in Dallas, offered the usual “we wish him well” in a statement emailed to Bloomberg News regarding its decision to sever ties.

When contacted by AP, Woods’ agent, Mark Steinberg, had no comment on AT&T’s decision.

Woods admitted martial infidelity is costing him millions of dollars, even though some companies continue to back him.  Consulting firm Accenture dropped him two weeks ago, saying he was “no longer the right representative” for them.  Gillette isn’t airing Tiger ads or using him in its shaving product advertising. Swiss watch maker Tag Heuer is pulling back its use of Woods’ image in its campagins.

Electronic Arts Inc., which puts out the “Tiger Woods PGA Tour” series of golf video games, hasn’t pulled the plug.  Upper Deck has kept its autograph deal going and Nike has said it plans to stick with Woods.

Latest Tiger Woods Update:  Tiger Woods says he is “taking an indefinite leave” from golf and for the first time mentioned the word “infidelity”.  In a post on his website, Woods said he would concentrate instead on being a “better husband, father and person”.  That would seem to mean wife Elin has not yet decided to leave him despite the statements of multiple women who say they had affairs or relationships with him during his marriage.

The embattled star’s apology meter did climb a bit since his last missive in which he railed against the tabloids and begged for everyone to leave him alone.

Woods has yet to speak about his car accident or anything else associated with the ongoing saga that has created a firestorm once thought to be much ado about nothing.

Woods’ statement:

“I am deeply aware of the disappointment and hurt that my infidelity has caused to so many people, most of all my wife and children. I want to say again to everyone that I am profoundly sorry and that I ask forgiveness. It may not be possible to repair the damage I’ve done, but I want to do my best to try.

I would like to ask everyone, including my fans, the good people at my foundation, business partners, the PGA Tour, and my fellow competitors, for their understanding. What’s most important now is that my family has the time, privacy, and safe haven we will need for personal healing.

After much soul searching, I have decided to take an indefinite break from professional golf. I need to focus my attention on being a better husband, father, and person.

Again, I ask for privacy for my family and I am especially grateful for all those who have offered compassion and concern during this difficult period.

This is apparently one bad tee shot Tiger Woods could not recover from. Moments ago, the world’s most famous golfer admitted he “has let his family down and regrets those “transgressions.”

His statement comes on the heels of an explosive voicemail message allegedly left by Woods to a Los Angeles cocktail waitress who says she had a “steamy” long relationship with him. Jaimee Grubbs says she’s saved mountains of “racy” emails and texts from their affair.

Woods has been silent since an early morning car crash last weekend that left his car in rough shape.  On Wednesday, he did issue a statement on his website with the apology, but also begged for privacy.

It probably isn’t surprising to hear that Tiger Woods has no interest in meeting with the Florida State Patrol.  It probably isn’t surprising that he chose his own website to make a short, non-revealing statement about his mysterious 2:30 AM car crash on his website rather than speak to his fans through the media.

When it comes to being in the public eye, Tiger does what he has to do.  No more.

The fiery competitor stuff is fine, but we like our athletes when they’re willing to share a little of themselves–in good times and bad.  What Tiger fails to realize is that the less he speaks, the more the public demands answers.  The less you talk, the more people want you to. This whole thing isn’t going to go away forever, no matter how much Tiger thinks it will by labeling it a “private matter”.  Is there a Tiger Woods mistress?  There have been denials from a woman in question, but nothing from Tiger other than a protestation against “false, unfounded and malicious rumors”.  If there’s nothing to hide, then, why is he hiding?

You could make the argument that no one is entitled to answers about why the tabloids have been full of rumors about Woods.  It’s personal.  Something between a married couple.   Or, you could take the slightly more enlightened view that unlike most married guys, Woods makes millions of dollars each month because people pay to watch him play golf live and on TV.  They pay to buy the products he endorses.  They pay for his autograph through his exclusive arrangement with Upper Deck Company.  They chase his memorabilia on eBay.  They buy his video games.  They pay to hear him speak and give clinics.  it’s part of the reason why he doesn’t want to reveal too much.  There’s too much at stake.  Yet you can’t take the rewards of being a pro athlete and refuse to deal with the other, less financially rewarding stuff that goes along with it.

Apparently, his agents and handlers– the very people he’s consulting with about how to react in the wake of the intense scrutiny after he ko’d a fire hydrant and gave a neighbor’s tree an uppercut– don’t seem to get it.  By refusing to divulge more details about the wreck, he’s hurting his public image.   If Tiger and his wife were fighting, he should admit it.  Hey, it happens.  Usually at weird hours.  We all do stupid things…and at least he’s sort of admitted that.  If it was just a case of poor driving, admit that too.   But say enough to answer at least some of the questions.  Because if you don’t, at some point people don’t know what to believe.

And then they’ll find someone else they can believe in.

While some sports seem a little stagnant in terms of growth in the collectible market, golf continues to grow at a steady pace. The simple and quiet sport has motivated a lot of people to do just more than tee it up. Collecting golf memorabilia can range from antique clubs and balls to signed trading cards pulled from packs in recent years. Some golf collectors see their stash as art.

One way of preserving the rich history and progress of a sport such as golf is to actually paint out visuals that can tell its stories as well as that of the people behind its success. This is why golf art is enjoying popularity in the ranks of golf collectibles. The person having such in his grasp can truly feel the passion within every picture displayed. Tiger Woods has been the focus of more golf art in his relatively short career than perhaps any player in history.

A golf gallery can be produced using the traditional golf collectibles of clubs and balls. These items can then be paired up with elegant and antique golf photos of both tournament highlights and the courses on which sport is played. There can also be prints of players in their most intense features or simply during their humane times of smiles and laughter. Enthusiasts have the privilege to put up a stage wherein the game becomes alive. This can be spiced up and brought to a notch higher by adding golf murals and designs that will perfectly slate the person’s golfing identity.

It’s a piece of Americana that appeals to golf memorabilia collectors, baseball collectors and those who collect entertainment items.  A golf scorecard from a star-studded foursome goes on the auction block next week.

Babe Ruth, Bob Hope, Big Grosby and then-California governor Culbert Olson apparently got together in Sacramento to play for charity on March 1, 1942.  Charles Robertson, a member of the Sacramento Municipal Golf Course, followed them   that day and secured autographs of all four on the scorecard. The autographs are signed in pencil   that was kept by Robertson and then his heirs the past 67 years.

“My grandfather was an avid golfer, but we didn’t know he still had this autographed scorecard until we were going through his possessions after he passed away in 1993 at the age of 72.  It was a surprise to find it,” said Steve Hansen of Sacramento, who consigned the scorecard on behalf of his family.    “The match play tournament scorecard only goes through the 16th hole.  Hope and Crosby apparently had won at that point, and left to catch a flight to attend a charity dinner elsewhere that evening,” explained Hansen, who said he inherited his enjoyment of golf from his grandfather and father.

The auction concludes October 1.