Woods influence apparent as we enter Tiger season

BAHAMAS. — With the golfing year moving into what has become ‘’ Tiger season’’, Woods will once again energise what would otherwise be one of the least significant periods of the calendar.

Soon to be 47 years old, Woods’ influence will be keenly felt over coming weeks. Tournament titles will be of minimal significance, but he brings eyeballs and much needed direction for a sport mired in civil war.

Woods hosts this week’s Hero Challenge in the Bahamas and was set to play competitively for the first time since missing the cut at the The Open in July.

However, he made a late decision to pull out with a foot injury, although will fulfil his hosting duties.

He is also set to partner Rory McIlroy in ‘’The Match’’ on December 10, before competing alongside his son Charlie in the Championship in Florida - events he says he still plans to play in. Woods’ presence at all three competitions will attract audiences far greater than if the 15-times major champion was not playing. More significantly, this period will not be wasted in the fight to find a solution to the existential crisis prompted by the arrival of the breakaway

Tour.