Woods demurs on speaking out on the world's stage.(Chicago Tribune)

CHICAGO _ Earl Woods always has dreamed big when it comes to his son. With a golf club in his hand, Tiger Woods has stretched those dreams to new, unimaginable lengths.

Earl has another dream for his son. He envisions Tiger "as an ambassador at large for children, affecting change in countries through personal intervention."

Earl wants Tiger to be like Arthur Ashe, a champion of his sport and of vital social issues.

There's a hitch. Tiger Woods tilts more toward Michael Jordan, who rarely strays into controversial territory.

Woods, who will be in the usual spotlight at this week's Advil Western Open at Cog Hill, has come under fire of late for not taking more advantage of his position. Columnist Christine Brennan recently wrote in USA Today, "Every time he has an opportunity to make a statement about one of society's ills, he has gone mute."

"He has been a bit disappointing," said Charles Farrell, who heads the sports division for the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition. "Here is a man who has redefined what a black athlete is. Why doesn't he use that fame to make some statements? Thus far, he has chosen not to step out on the issues."

Earl believes the transformation will happen. He cautions everyone to remember his son only is 25.