Where's Ari Fleischer When You Need Him? Payne/Nike Edition

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So Thursday Billy Payne decides to lecture Tiger (eloquently I must say, but nonetheless, a surprising move). And then Earl Woods speaks from the grave, courtesy of Nike.

I think both moves were mistakes because each will invite unwanted scrutiny.

In the case of Payne and the club, the unusual decision to issue a stance on a topic that seemingly was neutralized with Monday's press conference would seem likely to encourage the many media folks new to golf and Masters coverage to take a harder look at the club's membership policies or the makeup of the membership.

As for the Nike ad, offering up Earl Woods audio clips in a teacherly, Yodaesque tone could open the floodgates to more analysis of Earl's lifestyle choices and actions. And that does no one any good at all.