Storyline: Tiger Woods’ time has come and probably has gone. But that doesn’t mean ‘a new prowler’ will make people forget the first time they saw Tiger put on that Green Jacket.
The 2016 Masters will be held April 7-10, at Augusta National, and the PGA just released the names of the 90 players who will all be challenging for the coveted Green Jacket.
Courtesy: Associated Press
Tiger Woods, a mainstay at the Masters, whose name is synonymous with past victories, may or may not be present when they tee off in a month. Despite reports of his ‘demise,’ he was shown swinging several clubs and has declared himself on the ‘road to recovery.’ Whether he decides to play in the Masters, or any tournament in 2016, remains to be seen.
Could this be a good thing for the current tour?
Let’s face it. There have been a bevy of good tournaments since Woods has been sidelined with ailing injuries. A host of different winners last year has made this season a must-watch for golf fans. The mere mention of a Tiger ‘sighting’ sends talking heads into a frenzy. The constant chatter takes away attention from some of the more celebrated and up-and-coming stars of the tour.
Think about the potential battles that will ensue, if the likes of Phil, Spieth, Fowler, Scott, or either Johnson, make their way through the initial cut. Of course no one can rule out the surprise player in the crowd or the no-name that makes a few great shots and putts, which then puts them in contention going into Sunday’s final round.
None of this is possible if Tiger is prowling around on or near Augusta. For all the glory Tiger has had – winning four titles here – his mere presence will be all the news that’s fit or unfit to print for an entire week.
Courtesy: Jasonackerman.org
No one begrudges Woods and his attempt to make yet another comeback. Years of ailments have taken a toll on the #1 player in the world. Time moves on. Just like it did after Jack won in 1986. The likes of Watson, Floyd, Crenshaw, and others have had their day in the hot Georgia sun. But there are new mavericks on the PGA Tour, and fans have come to enjoy competitive tournaments each and every week.
When Tiger broke onto the scene he was the most talked about player to ever grace a golf course. Expectations were through the roof. He was the next coming of Jack, Arnie, Hogan, and other greats, all rolled into one. There was no doubt that he would be one of the greatest of all time. The 18 major championships that Nicklaus won would fall by the wayside.
But Tiger is at 14 and stuck. He last Major win was the 2008 U.S. Open – eight years ago. His age, his ability to regain his stroke, and the nagging injuries, will likely preclude him from winning five more, to break the record. He many not even win another Major.
The 2016 Masters will be a much anticipated, wonderfully played tournament. It will likely have many twists and turns with an almost guaranteed fight to the finish. But Tiger Woods won’t be on the leaderboard and he may not be at Augusta at all. That’s perfectly fine for the other 90+ golfers. They’ll have a chance to make their own history, to cultivate a following of fans over the course of the summer months, which includes three more majors.
Tiger Woods’ time has come and probably has gone. But that doesn’t mean ‘a new prowler’ will make people forget the first time they saw Tiger put on that Green Jacket.
