Ok, more seriously, Woods being back in golf does mean a return of television ratings and thus more money for the PGA and all the players. That's just a fact. The biggest fear the PGA had was the retirement of Woods or an extended leave. That now being releieved, well the gravy is back.
Woods stated so far
"The Masters is where I won my first major and I view this tournament with great respect. After a long and necessary time away from the game, I feel like I'm ready to start my season at Augusta.
The major championships have always been a special focus in my career and, as a professional, I think Augusta is where I need to be, even though it's been a while since I last played."
So Woods is going to go for another jacket. And if he gets it, he can shut up the guaranteed comments from commentators about how it all has affected his game, ect.
But you have to imagine that the time off, the problems with his family, the media attention (negative that is), all of it has to have some effect on him. He may play golf at the peak of mortal ability, but he isn't superhuman.
So how might Tiger Woods do at the Masters? He could miss the cut completely. Which would drive a huge number of tabloid specualtions about the state of his marriage and his sponsorship deals. He could come in the middle of the pack. Which would result in much of the same, with more focus on his sponsors and a bit of sympathy from some sportswriters. Or Tiger could rally hard, maybe even lead all the way, and win again.
That would be spectacular. Ratings for golf would skyrocket again. Sponsors would flock back to Woods. The top pros would be intimidated like never before, worse than when Tiger first showed up and beat them all almost without trying.
What are the odds of that happening? Who knows. When Tiger Woods wants to win, he does and by as much as he wants. So the question is does Tiger really want to play now, or does he just want to keep up appearances?
All answers will come on April 8th.
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