West Kelowna News

Want to play around (a round) with Rachel, Cori, Jaimee or Holly?

Thanks to a West Kelowna man - now you can.

Mike Caldwell, a 63-year-old, semi-retired author from West Kelowna has created Tail of the Tiger Golf Balls, 'The Mistress' Collection.

There are a dozen golf balls in the boxed set, each one emblazoned with the likeness of one of Tiger's 12 mistresses, including Rachel, Cori, Jaimee and Holly, among others.

Tiger Woods made headlines around the world when he crashed his SUV into a tree while fleeing his home after an argument with his wife near the end of November.

Stories quickly began circulating about various women he has had relationships with while married.

Caldwell says he said he got the idea while having coffee December 21 and 29 days later had a prototype ready to go.

"I saw a need here. There are millions of golfers around the world who are sad and shocked at what Tiger has done," says Caldwell, referring to Woods' admission of infidelity.

"They need something to laugh about, a product that is funny, and I think what I've come up with will do that."

Caldwell says just two days after creating the prototype, he was on a plane to Orlando, Florida for the annual PGA Golf Show.

"The reaction was 95% positive and with 80% of those it was downright laughter. The biggest shock for me was women. I thought they would give me the most grief but even they loved it."

While the product has been turned down by one U.S. distributor, Caldwell says the product is flying off the shelf.

"I set up my website for the product five days ago and I've already had $45,000 in sales."

Caldwell won't reveal how much it costs to produce each set, but says at $44.95 each, he has had no complaints regarding the price point.

Before venturing too far into the project, Caldwell admitted he hired a lawyer to ensure he and his product are 'bulletproof' as far as legal action is concerned.

"I haven't heard from Tiger's camp. You know if there was a problem, they would be all over me."

To further protect himself, Caldwell hired an artist to draw likenesses of the 12 women instead of using photographs.

"You'll notice Tiger's name and image are nowhere on the product. I spent good money to obtain a picture of the tail of a Bengal Tiger. If you think of Tiger Woods, well, that's your choice."

Caldwell is currently looking for exclusive distributors to sell the product in 15 countries around the world, including here in Canada.

He says he has been amazed at how well the product has been received. Caldwell says he has received orders from all around the world.

"I thought it would do well, but it has gone way beyond what I thought it would do. If I don't sell any more, I've made my money back."

He adds he is trying to strike now while the iron is hot.

"I figured this would have a shelf life of three to six months, but a very smart man told me this thing will have legs through Christmas."

Caldwell is certainly making the most of his '15 minutes of fame.' He has been featured in stories in the New York Daily News, on FOX Television, Inside Edition as well as newspapers in Scotland.

Woods, who has taken an indefinite leave from the PGA Tour, is allegedly seeking treatment at a sex-therapy centre in Mississippi.

Link: Link to website