The smoke continues to roil from the smoldering embers of what was once Tiger Woods’ kingdom.

Pretty much like match play in golf, Tiger conceded yesterday. With mounting evidence that he has not exactly been faithful to his wife, with women seemingly coming out of the woodwork to brag of their sexual exploits with the greatest golfer on the planet, Tiger finally caved.

He posted a statement on his Web site admitting to “transgressions” that have hurt his family and offering an apology.

He then made another plea for privacy. Good luck with that.

Here’s my problem. I really liked Tiger Woods. I play golf, but so do a million others. There was something else about this guy. Simply put, it’s this. On a Sunday afternoon, Woods routinely delivers something so few other so-called “superstars” do – sheer drama.

You don’t even have to be a golf fan to be riveted by Woods. When he’s on TV on Sunday afternoon, you can’t look away.

Tiger Woods will undoubtedly do that again. He will win tournaments. He will take up his crusade to surpass Jack Nicklaus’ record of 18 Major titles.

But I’ll never look at him the same way again. Maybe that says more about me than Tiger. I thought he was different. It turns out The Chosen One is just Another One.

Now all that’s left is to watch the parade of folks looking to gain their 15 minutes of fame from Tiger’s collapse.

There is one person who has come out of this affair looking better than before, at least in my eyes.

I have a new favorite golfer. His name is Jesper Parnevik. He’s Swedish and he’s actually the guy who introduced Tiger Woods to his wife Elin Nordegren. She was Parnevik’s nanny.

Unlike just about everyone else in golf who seem to be running for cover when it comes to l’affaire Tiger, Parnevik spoke his mind.

Parnevik said he actually owes an apology to Elin, since he is the guy who introduced her to Tiger.

“We probably thought he was a better guy than he is,” Parnevik said. “I hope she uses a driver next time instead of a 3-iron.”

Now here’s what I want to see. Next April, final round of the Masters, And stepping up to the tee as the last group, your leader Tiger Woods.
And one stroke behind, Jesper Parnevik.

I’ll be rooting for Jesper.