I must admit, I’ve been wrong for quite a while now when I’ve assumed that Tiger’s current problem is related to his divorce and his relationship to his ex-wife when dealing with everyday issues involving their children. I’ve been dead wrong.

I’ve just finishing reading Steve Helling’s book called “Tiger” and it’s now obvious that what brought Tiger out of his past slumps was a meaningful relationship (not one night stands) with a beautiful well-educated woman whom he admired and would consider marrying. In other words, a “significant other.”

I’ve always maintained that when athletes are happy and their lives are in harmony they will perform close to their skill levels on a consistent basis. And Tiger is no different. In 1999, after a two year slump, he met Joanna Jagoda, a pretty blond co-ed at Cal-Santa Barbara who was not only beautiful but also intelligent and ambitious with an intent on attending law school. As soon as they began dating, including her taking trips with Tiger to tournaments around the globe, Tiger returned to dominance and as Helling points out in his book, “beginning a three year winning streak that would cement his spot as one of golf’s best players.” But in 2001, his relationship with Joanna began to fade (along with caddie problems he was experiencing) and his game suffered. And it was then that he met Elin Nordegren, another highly intelligent, beautiful, statuesque blond. In 2003, he ended his relationship with Joanna and began dating Elin exclusively and suddenly, his game returned to the Tiger of old.

But today, Tiger does not have that meaningful relationship with a beautiful, intelligent well-educated woman. Unfortunately, many of the women who appeal to Tiger are turned off by his past behavior and so it’s probably pretty difficult for him to find a “significant other.” But it will happen. And when it does, you’ll be able to tell. Just watch the leader board.