Excitement builds over Tiger’s return
augusta — Anticipation built around Augusta National for Tiger Woods returning to the Masters, ticket scalpers already offering prized passes to the unfolding drama at the year’s first major golf tournament.
Players traveled Magnolia Lane to the clubhouse on the eve of Monday’s first official practice session for the 82nd Masters, where 14-time major winner Woods will try for a fifth green jacket after his fourth back operation.
“I’m just there to win,” Woods said in a posting on his website this week. “I’ve been better with each week I’ve competed. A little more crisp. I’m starting to put the pieces together.”
Woods missed his third Masters in four years last year after spinal fusion surgery, but has contended in his past two starts, sharing fifth at the Arnold Palmer Invitational and second at the Valspar Championship.
Woods, who at a low point doubted he would ever play competitive golf again, has seen interest in his comeback tale at age 42 send resale prices for Masters badges soaring several thousand dollars above face value. “I got a second chance on life,” Woods said. “I am a walking miracle.”
Woods hasn’t won a major since the 2008 US Open, hasn’t won a tournament since the 2013 WGC Bridgestone Invitational, hasn’t played in a major since missing the cut at the 2015 PGA Championship and last won the Masters in 2005.
“I’m just really looking forward to playing,” Woods said. —