The last time Tiger Woods played in a tournament, he won. At this year’s Masters Tournament, Woods will win again but with a much different life and under much different circumstances.
Eight days after winning the JBWere Masters in Kingston, Australia, the world’s most iconic athlete’s life spun out of control following an early morning call to 9-1-1. The floodgates opened and reports of affairs with several women made the front cover of several major magazines. Then, as if that was not enough, Woods checked himself into a sex-rehab clinic in Mississippi.
Since then, there have been multiple rumors about where and when Woods would make his return to golf. In reality, that night should be left in the past.
Once Woods steps onto the tee at the Masters, golf’s first major on April 8, these questions should no longer matter. The world’s attention should be focused on Woods’ golf game not on his private life.
Woods is known for having every aspect of his life planned and under his control. As a result, it is no coincidence that he picked the Masters as his first tournament back at the tee. The tournament’s organizers pride themselves on smooth planning and execution. They will be able to control what media members receive credentials, limit the number of photographers that are allowed in the ropes and will control who will be paired with Woods.
The tournament organizers and the PGA have taken precautions for the possibility of hecklers and other spectators who may wish to distract Woods from playing golf. It seems they will be doing everything in their power to make it tough for any outside source to distract Woods from his game.
There is no doubt that Woods will have plenty of motivation to play well. Woods has been praised for his ability to focus and clear his mind. This skill will be tested and questioned more than ever. This time, to focus himself, Woods will be on a mission to prove everyone wrong, just like he has done for his entire career.
Several members of the golf community believe his game may not be at its best, but they clearly don’t know Woods. He is not stupid, nor is he in a position to go out to embarrass himself any further than he already has. He would not be returning if he wasn’t ready and if he didn’t believe he could win.
Woods’ drought at the Masters is another source of motivation. He is undoubtedly ready to slip on another green jacket after his longest Masters losing streak. Some believe Woods can achieve this honor because the venues for the next three majors are all courses where Woods has previously dominated. They include the U.S. Open at Pebble Beach, the British Open at St. Andrews and the PGA Championship at Whistling Straits.
When the collective sports world turns its head to the greatest golfer in history, expect nothing less than four days of sheer excellence. When the weekend comes to an end, the saga that is the Tiger Woods scandal will end with it.
You can reach this writer at sports@theeagleonline.com.
