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Golf Writers Vote to Boycott Tiger's Talk

By Mick Elliott

Although more symbolic than purposeful, the Golf Writers Association of America is not willing to play along with Tiger Woods.

After three months of hiding out as a sex scandal brewed around him, Woods will finally speak Friday morning. But because Woods (above, practicing yesterday in Windermere, Fla.) and his camp are totally orchestrating the appearance at TPC Sawgrass -- choosing who will be in attendance and refusing to take any questions -- the national organization of golf journalists announced its members will not attend.

Woods' handlers had invited the GWAA to send three representatives, in addition to three wire service reporters, to the gathering to serve as pool reporters, who would share their notes and observations with colleagues.

Because of those restrictions, the 950-member GWAA decided Thursday night to boycott Woods' statement unless it is opened to all accredited media.

"I cannot stress how strongly our board felt that this should be open to all media and also for the opportunity to question Woods," said the organization's president, Vartan Kupelian.

"The position, simply put, is all or none. This is a major story of international scope. To limit the ability of journalists to attend, listen, see and question Woods goes against the grain of everything we believe."

The vote of the GWAA board of directors was 19-4 with three abstentions.

According to rules set by the Woods camp, there will be only one television feed allowed and no other cameras allowed in the room.

Mick Elliott is a Golf Writer for FanHouse