Tiger Woods writes encouraging letter to bullied teen

For years, it has been easy to rip on Tiger Woods for his public persona — or lack of one.

Flying in the face of that reputation, Woods has quietly done a lot to offer opportunities and encouragement to kids from underprivileged and disenfranchised backgrounds. He tends to keep such things quiet, save for the tournaments he uses to benefit his foundation, which is public by its nature.

However, Woods recently responded to a public plea for help for a teen bullied by his peers.

Former LPGA player Sophie Gustafson has courageously and publicly battled a stuttering problem for almost her entire career. As a face for the issue, Gustafson has also served as a mentor to young people dealing with the issue and the unfortunately social consequences. However, in mentoring a high schooler named Dillon, Gustafson had run out of answers.

Dillon had seemed to be improving under Gustafson’s tutilege, joining the high school football team. Unfortunately, some of Dillon’s teammates drove him from the squad, mocking his stutter. It drove him to attempt suicide. Gustafson reached out to Golf Digest’s Ron Sirak for help, passing along emails from Dillon’s mom about the situation. The mom mentioned Dillon is a big golf fan, particularly keen on Tiger Woods. Gustafson asked Sirak to do what he could, and Sirak said he would reach out to Woods.

Woods responded with a note to Dillon, the news of which Gustafson shared Sunday.

Thanks so much @TigerWoods for sending my friend Dillon a letter. He got so happy! It’s being framed and hanged. #class

— Sophie Gustafson (@SophieGustafson) May 10, 2015

In response to a tweet, she offered an update on Dillon’s progess.

@RyanBallengee Yes he is. Small steps but he really appreciates all support that has been shown for him

— Sophie Gustafson (@SophieGustafson) May 10, 2015