Despite long lay-off, Tiger is a drawcard

Love him or hate him, former world No 1 Tiger Woods’ announcement this week that he will return to competitive golf at the end of the month is wonderful news.

Woods, who has not played since February after carding a woeful opening round 77 at the Dubai Desert Classic following a recurrence of back problems, will tee up at the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas from November 30. He has not won a title since claiming the 2013 World Golf Championships Bridgestone Invitational at Firestone Country Club – one of five triumphs on the PGA Tour that year.

You would have to go back even further to track his last Major victory, with the last of his 14 Majors coming after he won the first hole of a play-off against Rocco Mediate at the US Open in 2008.

There’s been more downs than ups for Woods over the past few years, particularly in his personal life. The American, who has had four surgeries in the last three years, hit a new low in May after he was arrested for driving under the influence. A plea deal ensured he escaped without doing jail time, but must spend one year on probation, pay a $250 fine, perform 50 hours’ community service, and complete a driving under the influence school.

So where does this leave the golf career of Woods, who now finds himself ranked No 1 180 in the world and desperate to put the injuries behind him? Competing week-in and week-out against the world’s top golfers is no easy task.

Trevor Stevens

Posting a few videos in practice rounds alone is not going to cut it.

But there’s no denying the X-factor of Tiger Woods. A fit and firing Woods is good for golf. There’s no two ways about it. One just has to look at this year’s SA Open at Glendower to see the pulling power of a big name. Thousands of spectators pitched up just to catch a glimpse of Rory McIlroy. Woods, in his prime, commanded an aura when millions spent good money to watch him live or on television. His participation alone boosted the game of golf.

One just has to look at how the resurgence of Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal this year has lifted the profile of tennis. Sport loves big names. Sport loves superstars.

Woods’ statistics speak for itself. He has won an incredible 14 Major titles – second only to Jack Nicklaus, who has won four more. When it comes to most titles, Woods has won 79, just three behind legendary Sam Snead on the all-time list. Snead certainly defied age, winning 17 times after he turned 40, but not many other golfers have succeeded in rolling back the years after crossing the big Four-O. Guys like Vijay Singh (22 wins), Kenny Perry (11) and Steve Stricker (nine) have had success. Can Woods, who turns 42 at the end of next month, find something extra in the tank?

Perhaps fellow American Bubba Watson sums up Woods’ imminent return best.

“Forget score,” Watson told pgatour.com. “If Jack Nicklaus said he’s returning this week – no one cares what score he shoots. You don’t care what Jack shoots, you just want Jack here.

“We should all be thrilled to see a great champion like Tiger show up and able to play again. You always want your legends to keep playing. And if he can get back near his best golf over time then, let’s face it, it’s great for the game.”

Watson, a two-time Major winner himself, sure has a point.

When Woods is pitching up and playing well, golf is in a healthy place.