Are PGA Tour golfers and "American Idol" producers the only public role models left?

Astronauts, beauty queens and politicians as role models have been diminishing from public view faster than Tiger Woods’ 125 m.p.h.swing speed. Everywhere you look nowadays there are fallen angels apologizing for not upholding their end of the bargain; that is to ensure that our children as well as ourselves have someone to look up to.

Astronauts always gave the image of being squeaky-clean bastions of society. Lisa Nowak proved that the daily tribulations of stress are far more powerful than undergoing the rigorous challenges of training for space travel.

With the help of Donald Trump who, according to Rosie O’Donnell, is no “moral compass", Tara Conner was allowed to dust off her tiara and return to the coveted role of Miss U.S.A. after proving that she is only human. Trying to turn her life around and show blossoming teenagers the error of her ways and that she can be a leader of today’s youth, Conner refused further temptation when she decided against Playboy Magazine’s cover proposal, even if Trump was considering it.

On the flip side, Katie Rees aka Miss Nevada (and another female influencing the lives of our children), stated that she didn’t realize Conner was offered $1 million to bare all and claimed, “A million! I wasn’t offered a million dollars. I’m going to hold out.” Just what our children needed to hear.

Meanwhile, closer to home, we have community leaders who have fallen from their perches, teachers and priests creating scandals in their own sleepy little neighborhoods and how can we even begin to talk about the corrupt politicians in our midst! Bill Clinton, for example.

At least the producers of American Idol have decided to do the right thing by taking back a golden ticket to Hollywood issued to a contestant after finding out about a drug possession charge.

Is there anyone in the public eye who can maintain decorum and show the youth of today that there are those who proudly display their sound morals and ethics without having to be told to do so? People that show the best sides of themselves not to earn the public trust but just because it’s “who they are"?

Thanks to the PGA, USGA and LPGA, there are now programs in place like the First Tee, which teaches kids not only about the sport but also the nine core values which ultimately creates heroes. Tiger Woods came up with his own foundation which empowers young people to reach their highest potential and others, like Phil Mickelson, have joined forces with larger corporations such as ExxonMobil, offering large sums of money to create learning opportunities for our youth.

So, since I’m looking for “Heroes” (and not the television kind), I guess the first place to start is on the PGA Tour. The guys here are selfless and thoughtful enough to use their money wisely, ensuring that our country will be laden with idols well into the future. Glad I made golf my sport of choice. ;)