The Passion of Tiger Woods — An Anthropologist's View on Golf, Race and Celebrity Scandal | Duke University Press

A modern lens on fame, sport, and society

In The Passion of Tiger Woods, Duke University Press offers a concise, wide-ranging analysis that moves beyond tabloid headlines. Orin Starn applies an anthropologist's curiosity to Tigergate, tracing how Woods' ascent from a multiracial background to a global brand reflects broader American concerns about race, identity, and success in the public eye. The narrative blends careful observation with cultural insight, inviting readers to consider how media narratives shape our understanding of talent, character, and responsibility.

What the book covers

Rooted in close reading of coverage, endorsements, and public moments, the book examines the rituals of celebrity drama and the metrics by which fame is measured in contemporary sport. Woods' story is used as a case study to explore how a single figure can become a mirror for national anxieties about race, sexuality, and betrayal, while also revealing the economics of sponsorship and image management.

Key themes include:

• Media amplification and the speed at which scandal unfolds
• Branding, endorsements, and the commercial side of being a modern athlete
• Racial identity and the complexities of multiracial public life in sports
• The myth of the flawless hero and the fragility of celebrity status
• Public accountability, rumor, and the ethics of rumor in popular culture

Who will find this book useful

• Students in sports sociology, media studies, anthropology, or American studies
• Researchers seeking a framework to analyze celebrity culture, race, and national narratives
• General readers curious about how the celebrity system intersects with everyday life

Reading considerations and outcomes

The work encourages critical thinking about how audiences interpret talent, behavior, and responsibility in a media-saturated era. It offers a thoughtful approach to understanding the interplay between public figures and the stories that surround them, without prescribing simple judgments.

Note: The Passion of Tiger Woods is positioned as a scholarly, accessible resource that can complement courses, seminars, or personal reading for those exploring the high-stakes world of professional golf, media, and celebrity culture.