Woods hires ex-Bush aide to prep for return in two weeks

[FarCenter]

By MARK CANNIZZARO

Last Updated: 8:53 AM, March 11, 2010

MIAMI — Tiger Woods has summoned someone even more significant than swing coach Hank Haney to help facilitate his wildly anticipated comeback.

Two sources in the golf community have told The Post that Ari Fleischer, the former presidential advisor to George W. Bush and the man who was brought in to help repair the steroid-shattered image of Mark McGwire, has been huddling with Woods, plotting a strategy for his return to golf — at the Arnold Palmer Invitational starting March 25 at Bay Hill in Orlando.

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In a fascinating subplot to the ongoing Woods saga it appears Fleischer is a big part of helping that healing process.

Knowing he eventually has to stand before everyone publicly and take questions — something he didn’t do in that bizarre orchestrated 131⁄2-minute ramble on Feb. 19 — is why Woods sought out the advice of Fleischer, who in 2008 formed Ari Fleischer Sports Communications.

The firm, which focuses on crisis response and control, is a joint venture with IMG Sports & Entertainment. Woods is represented by IMG.

Several calls to Fleischer went unreturned yesterday and messages left for Mark Steinberg, Woods’ personal IMG advisor, also went unanswered.

Fleischer, who served as presidential press secretary from January 2001 to July 2003 before leaving for a career as a consultant, worked with McGwire after the disgraced slugger had gone into hiding following his embarrassing refusal to answer questions about his steroid use before a congressional committee in 2005.

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Read more: http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/golf/woods_hires_weeks_bush_aide_to_prep_p7ZMNxmWaTffK5O4nxGEhK#ixzz0hssF2JCS

[NightWatcher]

1. Golf clubs of mass destruction are in Fuzzy Zoeller's bag

I can see the story now

[rfranklin]

2. Hiring a consummate liar doesn't strike me as a good move...

But, then again, golf is a Republican game and this will probably go over big with Republicans.

[opihimoimoi]

3. Image Rehab Doctor ...who woulda thought?