Report: Woods is a champion cheapskate
Remember the opening scene in Reservoir Dogs where the criminals meet in a diner, and Steve Buscemi refuses to throw in a buck to the waitress who's been serving the gang coffee as they plot a jewelry store heist. "I don't tip because society says I have to," Buscemi says. "All right, if someone deserves a tip, if they really put forth an effort, I'll give them something a little something extra. But this tipping automatically, it's for the birds. As far as I'm concerned, they're just doing their job."
That must be Tiger Woods's favorite movie. According to an item in Sunday's New York Post, when Woods hits Las Vegas he likes to spend, but not on tipping waiters and waitresses.
"Whenever Tiger was in Las Vegas, there was a woman who would hang out with his group, sort of as a local guide," says our source. "They would have a great time but Tiger never tips. Ever. She had to stop going out with him because it would cost her three or four hundred bucks every time they went out, since she had to keep tipping for him. Even though he paid the bill, people knew her, so [to not leave a gratuity] would reflect badly on her."
Woods's alleged tightwad ways also have landed him on Glamorati.com's list of 34 Notoriously Bad Celebrity Tippers (he's No. 23, right after Britney Spears), although the web site adds that Woods's excuse is that he doesn't carry cash.
Man, you've got to be really rich to get away with that one.
Posted by: tmooney | Jun 18, 2009 12:17:32 AM
If Tiger cared about the people that put him in the position he is in financially, the people that buy the products that he endorses and the people that attend the PGA events, he would play in events, like the AT&T, Bob Hope Desert Classic and other events that hurt because he chooses not to play. It is true he is a huge draw for the PGA. It is also true he cares only about himself and not giving back to the Tour that made him a rich man.
Posted by: Jerry | Jun 17, 2009 8:02:20 PM
Look, its well known that this guy is a cheapskate in tipping. He was in the Battle of the Bridges a few years ago and tipped no one, including the guy who drove him around between tees on a course that basically cannot be walked. He took the entire Mens Locker room and gave the other three, Ernie, Phil and as I recall, Dailey, the womens locker. Phil is a fantastic tipper and its not phony. Its the way he is and he shares. Tiger does nothing for the little guys who serve him. And all you Tiger sycophants please don't try to excuse him. This man is close to a Billionaire! It is a disgrace how he treats the people who serve him.
Posted by: premnath narahari | Feb 6, 2009 5:26:02 AM
Joe Kolar loves the fake fan lover Phil. Him with the bug eyed plastered on smile. Ask the average pro. Tiger does not fake it. His focus on his "job" turns some racists off.He does not need to show off his generosity like Phil. Whether he tips or not is his buisness.John thinks he is blessed. Please he is where he is because of his parents and his hard work. The golf world is sucking without him, so all you big tippers get a life. Prem
Posted by: Joe Kolar | Feb 5, 2009 2:31:52 PM
What a jerk wad. Would it kill Tiger to have 500 or a 1000 dollars in his pockets at all time. Phil does. We all have seen Phil peel off hundreds and give it to people. Heck he did it once on a golf course while playing. Remember he hit a guy in the arm and broke his watch. Phil went back to his golf bag and gave the guy 200 bucks. Tell Tiger to wise up and help the WORKING PEOPLE who are just doin their jobs. I always knew Tiger was a phony and this is just another example.
Posted by: john from clearwater | Feb 4, 2009 10:05:32 PM
Tiger has to understand that he is extremly blessed to be paid so much for playing a game. A game which is supported by regular working folks. I would think he would take every opportunity to give back in those very few times when he comes in contact with those regular folks. An extra 100 bucks makes a big difference to tipped workers and he makes a fan for life.....shame on any one who thinks differently
Posted by: LET'S DO THIS | Feb 4, 2009 3:26:55 PM
It's really easy...go to college and you won't need to work for tips. I did it, took out the loans, and worked low-paying jobs for tips, too. I never felt like I was entitled to anything just for doing my job. When I got a good tip, it meant I went above and beyond.
The over-tipping in this country has become an epidemic. The fact that people in the service industry EXPECT a certain percentage tip is more than enough reason for me to give less. Get over it. Tiger Woods and/or Joe Average owe you nothing!!
Posted by: john c | Feb 4, 2009 2:48:23 PM
tiger was raised with a sliver spoon.he probably never really had to pay a bill.so when he dose now he doesn't know whats right. sounds like some poor parenting.but all his parents cared about was his hitting the ball in the hole so he could take care of them.
Posted by: Ron | Feb 4, 2009 2:41:50 PM
How does this affect you bloggers? Get a life!
Posted by: Richard | Feb 4, 2009 12:23:38 PM
Personally I've worked for tips my whole life, from working at high end country clubs to five star restarants. If I ever got the chance to serve Tiger I honestly wouldnt care to see a tip or not.
Posted by: M. Taylor | Feb 4, 2009 11:32:02 AM
Another thing. People are so quick to judge. They read an article that gets second hard stories, but the reporters/writer do not believe it is worthwhile contacting Tiger Woods. Then some of the posters just accept what is written because that is what they want to believe. Most do not like Tiger anyway, so why would they give him the benefit of the doubt. Plus the writer says he paid the bill but he did not investigate to see if the tip was included in the bill (as some places now do). Without facts, I am not quick to judge. But on the blog, who cares? Better to "thrash" someone, especially if it is Tiger and some feel that he should not get paid for his achievements which came from hard work. Some are even willing to blame his father (GOD REST HIS SOUL) for not teaching him about tipping. This is an OLD OLD STORY. Perhaps the writer should conduct a new survey instead of trying to get some publicity by simply passing on "gossip". Good to note that the "groupie" lady realized that she was not going to get anything out of Tiger. He is busy concentrating on his wife and Sam and the soon to be new baby arrival. God bless Tiger!
Posted by: M. Taylor | Feb 4, 2009 11:23:11 AM
bigroop - "his charity work is for tax pursposes". Well bigroop, note that he works for those donations to his charity. Do you know how much effort it takes to put on a successful charity event (Tiger Jam, The Bloc Party, AT&T National and the Chevron Challenge). Most golfers just donate their money. So please keep your mouth quiet about things you do not know.
Posted by: M. Taylor | Feb 4, 2009 11:17:59 AM
Most of this type of story stem from when Tiger was new on tour. He might be considered a "cheapskate" where tips are concerned or only tipped when the service deserved it, but he sure does ensure that HIS OWN MONEY goes into the TWFoundation. Plus Tiger does not or would not go around talking about who he personally helps. That is not his style.
Posted by: Charles | Feb 3, 2009 10:17:12 PM
Most,of you people probabley dont tip and dont pay caddies good tips when the clean your golf clubs at your country clubs so clean up your own mess
Posted by: Charle | Feb 3, 2009 10:10:07 PM
I dont care if he tips or not just as long as he come back and keep the deadbeat PGA TOUR exciting which nobody ealse is able to do.please something ealse to write about.beside tips.in restaurants.
Posted by: chuck | Feb 3, 2009 3:17:49 PM
Come on, who knows how accurate this "tipping" information is. By all accounts, Tiger gives a ton of money to charity every year. If he fails to give a few bucks to a server but shells out millions in charity, who cares? Sure, it's not like the guy is hurting, but one story citing one source is not going to somehow give me this horrible impression of Tiger Woods. I have been to tournaments and agree that Tiger is not very personable. But I also know that that is his way of focusing. He doesn't allow distractions. And because his gallery is so much bigger than everyone else's, he simply does not have the time to be "one of them" like other golfers do.
Posted by: Frank DeRigge | Feb 3, 2009 12:43:52 PM
Anyone who makes that much money and doesn't tip has never worked a day in the restaurant biz. In New York, you don't even make minimum wage for waitressing, so you have to make it on your tips.
Get it up, cheapskates....
Posted by: jon smith | Feb 3, 2009 10:43:26 AM
I am so disappointed in Tiger. The guy is blessed
with all the talent in the world. He lives the
dream life. Has 50 million dollar ship. And he
can't be a sport. Show some class Tiger.
Posted by: rsolinski | Feb 3, 2009 10:40:13 AM
Tipping without any fanfare shows manners, appreciation and class regardless of your economic status.
It is hard to imagine Arnold being a poor tipper. I was personally on the receiving end of tremendous generosity from the late Payne Stewart. Class is always fondly remembered. Seems Kultida and Earl missed a few of life's most important lessons.
Posted by: All Wet | Feb 3, 2009 9:49:01 AM
You know Woody, that there is always that line on the credit card receipt that says tip/gratuity where you can add in a tip ON your credit card? No cash needed. What a novel concept, eh?
Posted by: bb | Feb 3, 2009 9:44:09 AM
blah blah blah. Much ado about nothing. We pay for the food and service don't we? It should be the restaurant owner who pay their employees. Unless of course the food is free.
Posted by: fred | Feb 3, 2009 9:31:39 AM
Lmao Tiger says its because he doesnt carry cash, like you cant tip from your CC in this day and age. ROFL
Posted by: Go-Fur | Feb 3, 2009 9:14:40 AM
It bothers me that tipping has become a form of taxation to consumers. Who came up with the rule that we have to always tip? I've had horrible service from waiters who still expected to receive a tip. That makes no sense. As far as a know, tipping is optional. Therefore, for a waiter to feel entitled to or to expect a tip is really poor form. There's a huge difference between tipping and simply saying "thanks."
Posted by: slappy | Feb 3, 2009 9:07:21 AM
the law specifies that employers pay at least Min Wage (now 6.55 per hour). the law provides that the employer can pay a "tipped" employee as low as 2.13 per hour but has to monitor reported tips to ensure the 2.13 plus the tips yield at least Min Wage per hour. Tiger should tip just like the rest of us.
Posted by: buck | Feb 3, 2009 8:23:17 AM
I guarantee he learned to tip poorly from his dad.
Posted by: phil | Feb 3, 2009 8:19:52 AM
Quit being a cheap @#$% Tiger. I make #*$* and tip a good waiter 20%. I'm pretty dissappointed in him.
Posted by: Bill | Feb 3, 2009 7:50:00 AM
This is just another show of his bad manners. He never talks to the fans during a tournament, and a coulpe of years ago there was a crowded bridge over a water way, all of the other players excused themselves as they were going through the crowd, He just pushed his way through with out speaking to any one.
Posted by: bigroop | Feb 3, 2009 7:11:53 AM
This is actually no big secret at all. He is the WORST tipper on tour. Just ask the clubhouse attendants who get nothing from him every week. Meanwhile virtually every other golfer on tour leaves SOMETHING. And more on Vegas, I personally watched him play blackjack for 10,000 a hand and NEVER ONCE did he tip the cocktail waitress who brought him at least 8 drinks. His charity work is for tax purposes. The guy is utterly classless. The most talented golfer on the planet, but classless.
Posted by: Premnath narahari | Feb 3, 2009 5:32:04 AM
I think there is more to this story.Iam sure the places he eats at includes the gratuity.The bimbo "guide" Iam sure is getting paid for her services.She is probably throwing some extra cash around to look big.Tiger is not a dumb guy. He may not be overtly generous as some celebrities are, attracting attention.He does what the average non celebrity Joe does and that becomes news. Get over it. Prem
Posted by: Kelly | Feb 3, 2009 4:16:14 AM
If you are not from America & don't understand tipping, don't knock it. whether its right or wrong, thats the way it is & to stiff somebody is a classless act. Especially from someone who has a lot of money. Bartenders & servers have bills to pay too. I think everybody should work in a restaurant for at least a month. I'm positive it would make a lot of cheap knuckleheads rethink about they see the business.
Posted by: 10%_for_you | Feb 3, 2009 1:54:59 AM
Don't like making less than minimum wage? Get a different job. We don't tip at McDonald's, but are expected to drop our change in the jar at Starbucks? Makes no sense.
I don't get tipped. I just do my job.
Posted by: 10%_for_you | Feb 3, 2009 1:54:45 AM
Don't like making less than minimum wage? Get a different job. We don't tip at McDonald's, but are expected to drop our change in the jar at Starbucks? Makes no sense.
I don't get tipped. I just do my job.
Posted by: 10%_for_you | Feb 3, 2009 1:54:20 AM
Don't like making less than minimum wage? Get a different job. We don't tip at McDonald's, but are expected to drop our change in the jar at Starbucks? Makes no sense.
I don't get tipped. I just do my job.
Posted by: JDS | Feb 2, 2009 11:58:05 PM
I guess Earl forgot to teach Tiger about tipping. I don't give a crap how much money he gives to charity, he could cut loose a few bucks for the bar and wait staff when he's out partying. But, you know, I'm not surprised at all by this judging by the way he rolls. Lame!!!
Posted by: Cam | Feb 2, 2009 11:05:43 PM
I have waited tables and tended bar for over 12 years. Yes the tipping system in this country is arcane and totally out of sync with the rest of the world. That being said, when I work in NYC as a server I receive $2.71 an hour and rarely receive a check (taxes on all those cc tips...) The money that comes in tips is what pays the rent, student loans and the occasional round at Dyker Beach. If Tiger gets good service he should tip appropriately. It is not up to him, or anybody else to singlehandedly try to change the tipping system in the states. All that does is stiff the server who cleared out his/her section for VIP Woods to screw them on the tip. Anyone who says this has never spent 2 weeks working in a restaurant...
Posted by: Brian | Feb 2, 2009 10:55:38 PM
Waiters and waitresses hourly pay is usually much less than minumum wage. To think that they don't need a tip is ridiculous.
Posted by: Edgar | Feb 2, 2009 9:55:26 PM
Why is this a big issue? This guy gives back to the community in a big way with his charities and donations. I guess success makes you a target whether the criticisms makes sense or not and people will always find something to pick on... Its pathetic.
Posted by: peet | Feb 2, 2009 7:40:09 PM
what a coincidence...I never carry cash either. I guess the difference is actually HAVING some that you could carry if you wanted to...
Posted by: Woodenputter | Feb 2, 2009 5:15:52 PM
What do expect with an A-hole of caddy and the ego the size of Cleveland...
Posted by: slow day on the golf front | Feb 2, 2009 5:01:19 PM
all you guys care entirely too much about this subject.. really, the man could do whatever he wants. lol.
Posted by: Phil Mickelson | Feb 2, 2009 4:41:03 PM
What a cheapo. I tip BIG!
Posted by: Oliver Chettle | Feb 2, 2009 4:35:58 PM
Tipping is a lamentable hangover from the days of nobles and peasants. No-one should tip, restaurants etc should pay decent wages instead.
Posted by: John S | Feb 2, 2009 4:22:47 PM
I don't see why this is any concern of ours. He does it on purpose, so people don't SUCK UP to him thinking they might get something out of it. There wouldn't be leeches if they weren't anything to leech off. If I have that kind of money, I would not tip for that reason alone.
Posted by: Eric Wright | Feb 2, 2009 3:52:30 PM
im sure he tips some. some people tip more than others. he gives loads of money to charitise and gives back to the community. he's not a bad person just becaause he doesnt tip some waitress. think about the waitress. obviously she is making enough money or she wouldnt be able to afford to live in las vegas. give me a break
Posted by: dee pool | Feb 2, 2009 3:25:15 PM
I guess I would tell tiger like I have told friends and my children if you can,t afford the tip you don,t need to be eating out.
Posted by: Mr. Grinch | Feb 2, 2009 3:17:27 PM
@Angus: Tipping as it is commonly practiced in America may not be the norm elsewhere, but in some countries (France, notably) it is so much an ingrained expectation that it is automatically factored into the bill. And as has been said, employers typically and legally underpay serving staff because of tipping being expected, so it is not simply a matter of them doing what they are paid to do.
In reality, it's almost more like a commission sales job--the idea is that your reward reflects your performance. Some skilled servers at nicer restaurants--and I'm not talking exclusive upscale places, I'm talking about ones like Chili's and Applebee's--can earn $19-20 an hour based mainly on tips.
Posted by: Mr. P | Feb 2, 2009 2:48:53 PM
Could someone please explain why Tiger is still the only professional African American golfer of any note on the tour?
Posted by: JimmyD | Feb 2, 2009 2:35:42 PM
Reminds me of "No Tippin Pippen". Scotty Pippen (former Bulls forward) is famous in his hometown of Chicago for not tipping the help. Hence his nickname.
Posted by: Angus | Feb 2, 2009 2:21:47 PM
For those outside of the US, a little info here will make sense. In the US waiters/waitresses make less than minimum wage, and make up the different in tip, which is set at 10% - 15%. If he/she provides excellent service it's expected to give 15%. So not giving tip is like not giving them salary. Some States actually assume that waiters/ waitress make 15% on top of their reported income, and will deduct tax automatically on that presumed tip. So if someone does not tip, the tax comes out of their pockets.
Posted by: Luke | Feb 2, 2009 2:12:39 PM
I'm on tigers side. I'm not from America and i have never understood tipping. Why should a waiter/waitress get paid a tip just for doing their job? Sure, if they go out of their way to give you an exceptional service, then yea, give em a tip. But for a waiter/waitress to expext a 5% or sometimes more tip from every customer they serve? Thats just greedy in my opinion.
Posted by: sai | Feb 2, 2009 1:42:38 PM
Tiger woods does donate to charities.
Posted by: Hal | Feb 2, 2009 1:41:06 PM
Pro golfers are notorious cheapskates. They think their mere presence is enough payment for any product or service they receive. Wrong! I'd rather get a 5% tip from a hard working couple who had to scrap and save to celebrate their wedding anniversary than to get stiffed by Tiger and his pretentious entourage. If you don't want to tip, grab a burger at McDonald's, a six pack at the liquor store, and park your Bentley in the self park lot.
Posted by: DJ | Feb 2, 2009 1:32:47 PM
I've never been a huge fan of his, on or off the course.
Posted by: lefty53 | Feb 2, 2009 1:28:52 PM
It's a story because he should know better. It's been known for years though what a cheapskate he is.
Posted by: lefty53 | Feb 2, 2009 1:26:20 PM
That's why I like Phil. He passes out Benjie's to the staff at the tournament courses. Once tipped 3K.
Posted by: Ho Hum | Feb 2, 2009 12:48:01 PM
And this is a story why?
Posted by: Angus | Feb 2, 2009 12:45:26 PM
I think that is a bad reflection on him. Money should not an object to him and not carrying cash on him is no excuse either. If he can pay his bills using Credit Card, there's always a place to put down the tip on the bill itself. Or one of his entourage can be in charge of tipping and settling the bill. For crying out loud, 800 million in asset and be a tight wad on waitress making peanuts is not excusable.