Editorial: Tiger's fall devastating

Tiger Woods

Seeing a mugshot of Tiger Woods staring vacantly down a police camera lens earlier this week was a stark contrast to the man who once dominated golf and transcended sport.

In a glittering career Woods won 14 majors.

On Monday, the police had to wake him when they approached his running vehicle prior to arresting him on a DUI charge.

It's been reported that Woods did submit to a breathalyser and blew a .000, which suggests there was no alcohol in his system, but he had been taking prescription drugs following surgery.

The now 41-year-old was once the world's highest-earning sportsman.

The word icon is often tossed around, particularly in the sporting arena, but Woods truly was.

He brought golf back to the forefront, breaking racial stereotypes while earning eye-watering sums of money as sport's clean-cut, clean-living golden boy.

A winner on the course and off it.

Until a series of extramarital affairs led former wife Elin Nordegren to file for divorce.

Some may lack sympathy for Woods.

The man who once had it all now shares the same dishevelled mugshot as countless individuals that have achieved far less in life.

We build great talents like Woods up.

We marvel at their skill and defiance in moments of unimaginable pressure.

But, seemingly, enjoy their fall from grace just as much.

I, personally, felt for him when his police mugshot emerged.

Sure, the financial rewards of being in the spotlight are great, but the personal falls are devastating.

Hopefully the fleeting adulation of millions will be replaced by more permanent support from a select few and he can fight his way back to the top.

"Our greatest weakness lies in giving up" - Thomas Edison