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"No matter how tough you think you are, you're going to have to rely on someone every now and then."

What I've learned
Tiger on money, the media and growing up
ByTiger Woods
WithPete McDaniel
Golf Digest
It might sound funny, but shortly after I turned pro in August 1996 I didn't know how to access my money. That's right. I had signed some pretty big contracts and cashed a check in my first couple of events, but I didn't know that you had to activate a credit card to use it.

Some people think I was born into riches, but that's far from the truth. I had never owned a credit card. Never needed one. However, I learned quickly. I also learned how to manage my money and account for every dime. I am determined not to be like so many other professional athletes who can't read a balance sheet. I've learned that attention to detail in business is as important as it is in major championships.

My education has taken some interesting turns, both on and off the golf course. I've learned how easy it is to be misunderstood. Being basically a shy person, I think some players mistook my shyness for aloofness. I've since become friends with a lot of guys and good friends with a few, like Mark O'Meara. Not all players play the same schedule, though, and when we do, we're unlikely to be in the same draw. When my friend Notah (Begay III) came out on tour, he played four or five tournaments and I didn't even see him because of the draw.

"I don't mind signing autographs, especially for kids, but it's disappointing to see kids used as runners for professional autograph traders."

I've learned what playing schedule fits me mentally and physically and to take enough breaks to remain fresh. My first year, I scheduled too many tournaments early, then ran out of gas toward the end. I won't make that mistake again.

I've learned that success thrusts you onto the world stage, and you have to always be mindful of your appearance -- and just as important, your image. I enjoy dressing nicely and doing my own laundry, including ironing my clothes.

I still haven't quite mastered the perfect crease, though.

I learned from watching other players that you always tip clubhouse attendants. I know to drop a few Benjies on them. I also sign a lot of stuff for them. From what they say, they're not supposed to ask for autographs, but they do anyway. I don't mind. Besides, they take pretty good care of us.

I've also learned to take better care of myself -- the value of a good physical fitness program and a nutritional diet. Technically, without my body there's no job. So I take care of my body, work out and try to stay as fit as possible.

I used to be a fast-food junkie. I've learned the proper balance that my body needs to sustain a high level of energy.

A healthier diet has also increased my resistance to colds. I don't get sick nearly as much now. That's not to say I don't occasionally satisfy my need for a cheeseburger-fries-and-strawberry milkshake fix. Just not that often.

Two other areas -- the media and autograph hounds -- have required major adjustments. The media is a responsibility. I know that. Dealing with them is a product of playing well. I know that there are members of the media who are wonderful people, objective and fair. There are also people who want to take the opposite side and put a spin on it, and I know who they are. Most of the golf-beat writers I see week to week have gotten to know the real me, and I know most of them by name. It's been a process of growing in mutual respect and understanding.

I don't mind signing autographs, especially for kids, but it's disappointing to see kids used as runners for professional autograph traders. It's almost impossible to distinguish kids who are legitimate from the others. I talked to Arnold (Palmer) and Jack (Nicklaus) about it. It wasn't an issue when they first came out. Now it's a business: Pay kids a few dollars and they go get an autograph. It's sad.

I guess the most important part of my learning curve involves personal relationships. I've learned who I can and cannot trust. It takes time. Obviously, you have to get to know someone a little bit to see where they're coming from. You find out you can always trust the same core people you've always trusted, and you can add a few here and there.

Now I've got a wonderful group of people who care about me, and I care about them. No matter how tough you think you are, you're going to have to rely on someone every now and then. They've been there for me, and hopefully I've responded in kind.

Thankfully, I'm still learning.

This article appears in the September issue of Golf Digest

Golf Digest