Pro golf as a metaphor for our age

What other sport allows the folks sitting at home in their socks watching a sports event on the TeeVee to call in to help officiate?

When Woods tapped in for par on No. 14, several television viewers called Augusta National about the legality of his putting stance. According to the rules, golfers may not make a stroke by standing astride, or with either foot touching, the line of a putt.

Will F. Nicholson Jr., the chairman of the competition committee, said in a statement that a tape of Woods's second putt was reviewed in the presence of Woods "and the tape was inconclusive." [emphasis added]

Mike Francesa points out that reviewing shots as the result of someone "calling in" is unfair, because not every golfer is on TV as much as Woods. An official accompanies each twosome to -- as the label implies -- officiate.

But I think it's perfect in these days of Powerhind, endlessly sniping over trivialities they see on TV. Rising up in such haste to complain ("He broke the rules! He broke the rules!") they spill their Cheerios. Then they grow even more powerlessly furious when they are wrong.