Tiger-mania is back, and the competition loves it
Woods’ return to Augusta National brings applause, builds anticipation
AUGUSTA, Ga. – Tiger-mania, Tiger-palooza, the perfect Tiger storm.
Call it what you will, but the force of nature that is Tiger Woods descended on Augusta National at the beginning of the week and hasn’t lost any of its powerful punch.
After not playing the past two Masters, Woods walked onto the practice range Monday and was greeted with thunderous applause, which continued throughout all three of his deafening nine-hole practice rounds. Since his arrival, Woods and his aura and his return to the game has been the only narrative grabbing headlines heading into one of the most anticipated Masters in history.
“As soon as Tiger walked in, everybody stood up and started clapping,” said world No. 3 Jon Rahm, one of the many favorites who have spent this week in the shadows of the Georgia pines and Woods’ shade. “That doesn’t happen for anybody else. I mean, I think he’s been an idol to all of us, right? If you don’t use Tiger Woods as a reference, it’s pretty silly not to, to be honest.”
What looked a tad silly was Rahm playing a practice round in front of just a few followers, as most of the other patrons were on the other side of the course trying to catch a glimpse of Woods. The same was true for Justin Rose, defending champion Sergio Garcia and Captain America, Patrick Reed.
But they understand. While Woods, a four-time winner of the green jacket, hasn’t won anywhere in the world since 2013, hasn’t won a major since 2008 and a Masters since 2005, his latest comeback has captivated the golf world.
A year ago, the story on Woods was not good as he headed into an operating room for spinal fusion surgery. His golf career, let alone his way of life, was in jeopardy. But in a remarkable return — Woods has called himself a “walking miracle” — the back pain is gone and his body healthy again.
His talents with a golf club in hand have returned, and after playing just four events the previous two years — including zero starts in the Masters — he’s among the favorites in 2018 at Augusta National.
He is the story, especially coming off his best two finishes since 2015 — second in the Valspar Championship, fifth in the Arnold Palmer Invitational.
“When it comes to Tiger and the Tiger-mania that comes with it, everyone wants to see him win and play the way he did before,” Jason Day said. “Everyone’s kind of chomping at the bit for him to kind of get here and see how he’s moving and everything.
“Everyone’s kind of solely focused on Tiger and what he’s going to do here.”
Which is just fine with Day and other contenders this week. They don’t mind all the cameras heading in Woods’ direction.
But while Woods is the story, he isn’t the only story. Rory McIlroy is going for the career Grand Slam. Reigning PGA Tour player of the year Justin Thomas has won twice this season. One-time Masters champion Jordan Spieth found some good form last weekend in Houston, and two-time Masters champion Bubba Watson is back to his winning ways with two victories this year.
“Keep on talking about Tiger Woods,” Watson said. “Keep on interviewing him all the time. Tire him out.”
World No. 1 Dustin Johnson is confident. Garcia is beaming as he returned to this year’s Masters as a married man and a father. Rose, who lost in a playoff last year, is one of the hottest players on the planet.
And on and on and on.
“The guys will still get some attention,” said Rickie Fowler, who is in search of his first major title. “A lot of guys will enjoy not getting maybe as much attention, sliding under the radar, and getting to just take care of business and focus on why we’re all here. To play good golf, to see good golf.
“Tiger’s earned the attention. He’s been the biggest needle mover in the game, and it’s going to be tough for anyone to come close to that.”