Waiting and waiting for what exactly?

FOR THOSE who waited— as if we had a choice— until 3 p. m. for live coverage of Saturday’s Masters, it began with a few live shots — mostly of Tiger Woods, a mere eight shots back — then went to four minutes of marinated maudlin encouraging us to watch what we’d tuned in towatch.

Then CBS returned to some live coverage— again, mostly Woods — of what was described near the open as must- see golf. Then to

Jim Nantz and Nick Faldo, on camera, spending the next 2 ½ minutes discussing the Masters, how we shouldn’t miss it.

At 3: 30, a half- hour into its live coverage, CBS got down to live coverage.

And if there were a 5,000- car pileup, the breaking news would be: “Tiger Woods wasn’t in it — and escaped unhurt.”

Saturday morning’s “Sports Center” reported that the big Masters story is Jordan Spieth — then loaded its highlights, interviews and analysis with Woods.

Saturday afternoon, even by Woods’ indulged, ignored, excused, explained and entitled standard misconduct, he went low, spitting, “My f----- g God” after a bad drive. For several minutes, CBS played stupid. Finally, Ian

Baker Finch: “For those who may have heard something offensive back at the 13th tee, we apologize.”

No mention, naturally, that the offender was Woods.

And how would you like to be the friends, fans and family of Kevin

Streelman, who at 7- under, Saturday, was in fourth place, ahead of Woods, yet he’d been shown once — making a birdie putt, thus likely on tape— in more than two hours. If the blessing fits, say it: When Dallas TE Jackie Smith dropped that TD pass in the 1979 Super Bowl, Verne Lundquist said, “Bless his heart, he must be the sickest man in America.” Saturday, when BU goalie

Matt O’Connor accidentally, Bill Buckner- dropped the puck into his net — the tying goal with 8: 36 left in regulation of the NCAA hockey final — ESPN play- by- player John Buccigross said, “Bless his heart.” Providence soon scored the winner.