What’s Tiger like? Mum’s the word

TULSA — The intent wasn't to dig up any dark and dirty secrets. I simply wanted to know whether Tiger Woods is truly as funny as many people claim.

What does he chit-chat about during practice rounds? What's his personality outside the ropes? Does he yuck it up inside the locker room? Does he talk more about basketball or golf? Where do football and baseball rate?

Can he explain the Paris Hilton phenomenon? Is he concerned about Lindsay Lohan? Should Britney get to keep the kids?

That sort of thing. All harmless inquiries, I thought.

Bubba Watson has played more than a few practice rounds with Woods. They played together early Monday and Tuesday morning at Southern Hills in preparation for the 89th PGA Championship, which begins today.

Watson wanted no part of a Woods inquisition.

Watson got so annoyed, in fact, he turned and walked away mumbling. "I told you I'm not going to talk about any of that. That's not me. I'm not that way.”

Lucky for me, Watson wasn't swinging a driver at the time.

It's never wise to upset anyone named Bubba, man or woman.

When Oak Tree's Scott Verplank finished his Tuesday news conference, he exited a side door at the same moment Woods entered.

"Hey, outta my way,” Verplank joked.

Woods smiled and playfully gave Verplank a forearm shiver, causing Verplank to say, "Ouch.”

Asked about Verplank, Woods said he was "proud to call him my friend.”

"Scotty is a great guy,” Woods said. "I've gotten to know Scotty over the years and especially when he was on the (2002) Ryder Cup team and we played at The Belfry.

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