Damian Dovarganes / AP

The Tiger Woods Learning Center in Anaheim, Calif., is fine financially despite the golf star's scandal -- at least for now.

Even before Woods became embroiled in a sex scandal, not everyone shared the view that he was doing all he could to help disadvantaged children. Hall of Fame running back Jim Brown contended last year that Woods "gets away with teaching kids to play golf, and that's his contribution" to society.

But almost every fifth-grader in Anaheim goes through the learning center, and most have never picked up a golf club. And while the driving range is prominent, the focus is more on science and careers than drivers.

The head of the Anaheim City School District says he's grateful for the center, saying the 20,000 or so kids it has touched in its short existence far outweighs anything Woods may have done in his personal life.

"Having a resource like the Tiger Woods Learning Center is just incredible," superintendent Jose Banda said. "It comes down to money, especially with budgets the way they are. The stuff they have is state of the art and expensive stuff."

On a recent morning, the driving range out the back door was empty. During breaks, the fifth-graders are likelier to be kicking a soccer ball than hitting golf balls.

This class is mostly Hispanic, and nearly all are from low-income families. Ask if they know who Tiger Woods is, and they're quick with a response.

"He's a professional golfer," one says.

Ask what else they know about Woods and you get little more than a shrug or a smile. If they've heard whispers from their parents or watched things on TV, they don't let on.

McLaughlin, who has known Woods since he offered him an exemption into the Los Angeles Open as a teenager, admits he was initially blindsided by the whole scandal.

"I wasn't aware of any of the indiscretions that became known, but I can tell you Tiger is a good person and someone I've known a long time," McLaughlin said. "What I've seen over 20 years seeing his commitment to kids and the foundation is undeniable."

Not only will Woods' charities survive and thrive, McLaughlin maintains, but his legacy will someday change. He's convinced there is a higher calling for Woods, one that will someday outweigh his current troubles.

"When his obituary is written, it will say here's an individual who made a tremendous contribution to society," he said. "When that time comes people will realize what he's done for millions of kids. You have to think that ultimately this will be a big part of how people view him in life."