Oh please, can we stop it with this faux "suspense"?
Like he would show up, then decide he's not playing.... His ego decided "Play" before he ever boarded his plane to fly there. Even if he finishes outside the top 20, he'll get more adulation and coversge than the winner. Sad. Tedious. Like American celebrity obssession generally.
8
Really now: Let he who is without sin... There are a lot of weirdos and sinners on the PGA, but how many have motivated an entire generation of youngsters and kids of color to grab a club ?(though they could only even show up at Augusta for about 10 years due to the ultimate sin of that place...)
For everybody who has ever, or never, recovered from a severe injury - Go Tiger!
1
Rats, another Masters ruined because Woods is showing up, who is not a contender, and is just preventing another player from being able to play. Woods can never by pass a chance to stroke his ego. Well, at least Jim Nantz will be so happy now. We all know for years how biased he is for Woods. Augusta needs to add a rule that prevents automatically allowing past winners from playing that are clearly not competitive. You would think Woods would have some modesty but that is asking too much.
Tiger's story is colorful. Overbearing parents, immense expectations all through his life, skills off the map, really bad choices, yes, an adulterer, a kid in the candy shop he can have anything he wants (those darn women who throw themselves at you), a dad who sanctioned his infidelity by example, and all of his surrounding cast that somehow benefitted from his crazy success. Call me crazy, but given all his bad qualities, I think Tiger can redeem himself...OFF the golf course. For that, I am watching this part of his story where he happens to excel and excite so many.
2
@Steve
I agree 100 %.
Why can't star athletes retire in at the top of their game e.g. Tiger (already beyond) and Tom Brady? Fame atrophies along with the body. Delaying the inevitable at the crossover point just brings on a painful side down. It's best to go now.
1
Billy Pilgrim just shot a eagle with that comment. He’s a Golfer not God.
Woods should be in jail. His SUV was going close to 90 mph in a 45 mph zone, crossed over into the opposite lanes , crashed into a tree and rolled over 3 times. The sheriff, Villanova, arrived on the scene and made the odd choice of ordering that no drug or alcohol tests would be done at the accident site or hospital
10
Jack Nicklaus, by the way, won 20 majors. The US Amateur was a major when he won it. Doesn't count, you say? In that case, Bobby Jones didn't win the Grand Slam, either, because it included the US and British Amateurs. Still got him two ticker-tape parades, in any case.
1
@Urbie4 True, but if you're counting the US Amateur for Jack, you at least have to acknowledge that Tiger won three (3) US Ams - 35 years after Jack won his two (2).
I am modestly disappointed - I was hoping for a Gray Lady takedown of the whole patriarchal non-POC-friendly nature of the Masters - I mean - seriously how can it exist in this day and age and climate?
1
These stars can’t just retire gracefully. They know they’ll grab all the attention. Sad.
2
Shocked at all the Tiger haters. I don’t watch golf or play it, but I respect Woods and all he’s accomplished. And respect the comeback!
The fact that people bring up adultery is comical. Please take a moment and look at your idols, and see just how many did the exact same and made much greater effort to do so.
6
I think it is great and am rooting for him. He is not perfect (unlike so many of the commenters apparently). For all of those who read the article despite the headline and then commented how much you don’t care, maybe you need a hobby.
5
I prefer The Golden Bear.
2
87 mph in a 40 mph zone,…could have easily killed someone else (besides himself) as he slid and rolled through the opposite lanes.
Not responsible, adult behavior, period. I find myself having zero sympathy for the injuries he sustained.
6
Why does this guy still get focused on so much? Perhaps it's because the game (not sport) of golf has no on else who attracts attention. He's not a good person. He's proven that time and time again over the years. He's at the end of an admittedly great career. But all of his past transgressions, including the latest when he was driving dangerously and could have killed others, have made him a joke. He should have been prosecuted, but it was covered up. It's too bad the media has no one else they deem worthy of attention.
5
Mr. Woods is the cause of his own problems. The fact that no one else was injured (or killed) in his SUV rollover is due only to extraordinary luck. I have absolutely no sympathy for him because he will have difficulty and pain walking a golf course. Whether or not he wins the Masters is of supreme indifference to me. Do not paint Mr. Woods, a selfish egomaniac, as some form of hero. The innocent men,women, and children trapped in the Russian slaughter of Ukraine show true heroism every single day. The Ukrainian people deserve all your attention, sympathy, and prayers. Mr. Woods deserves exactly what he gets, and if he does not like the result, he can thank himself. Seems more than equitable to me.
6
This life long atheist is a true believer Tiger Woods will go on to win the Master's for a sixth time. Can hardly wait!
5
@Leigh Hope you are right!
Whatever you may think of Tiger Woods it is indisputable that the he got a lot of people interested in both watching and playing Golf. When he narrowly missed winning a tournament 3 years ago by 1 stroke one of his his fans called out "We love you anyway Tiger !"
4
I broke my tibia and fibula in half a year ago. I’m walking again, but as Tiger said, my leg still hurts, each and every day.
3
Looking forward to him missing the cut.
6
People say the media has a Tiger fetish.
If you saw the crowds that followed Tiger for the 9 holes he played on Monday, you's know that the golfing world loves him. You can criticize to your heart's content-this is a free country- but nobody has drawn more viewers in person and on T.V. to golf than Tiger.
5
@therev56
And there are TV programs featuring celebrities for being celebrities.
I sometimes say to myself, suppose that I was one of the Framers of our Constitution and came upon a President Trump who spent upwards of $144 million dollars of taxpayer’s money on golf and was totally devoid of conscience about it, what would my attitude toward him be then.
And the answer comes to me in a flash. I wouldn’t have bothered waiting for another election, I’d just gather me a big band of my fellow citizens together and run him out of the White House on a wood rail.
https://trumpgolfcount.com/#costModal
5
What did Tiger Trump have for lunch.
3
Jim Nance had to be excited.
Elin Maria Pernilla Nordegren.
Unfortunate accident but face reality, my friend. Find a better gift for all your fans. Shift gears from ego to sharing your famed intelligence while seated , thus saving your legs. You will need them to live as time moves on.
Become a really good golf analyst/ commentator giving intelligent thoughts about critical shots us amateurs never learn. We can see a ball rolling down a fairway without being told when it will stop. How and why it gets there is more important and not covered by the talking ex-pros now on the air.
Tiger, you survived. Be as grateful for that miracle as are all your followers.
3
Regained his steroid supply, did he?
1
Tiger needs to play to prove, to himself, that he can overcome the latest bone-headed screw up in his life ... almost losing his right leg and killing himself.
Oh, and he wants #6 at Augusta to tie Jack, and to move closer to the GOAT, Mr. Nicklaus, in major tournament titles. That has been driving Tiger Woods for the last 25 years.
I am impressed to watch him and his son, Charlie, play golf together. Finally Tiger is showing he's not just a golfing machine.
3
I just read about Louis C.K. and the criticism the Grammy organization has received for awarding him a Grammy for comedy album of the year in the wake of his penchant for masturbating in front of unexpecting women. And yet, Tiger Woods cheated on his wife with umpteen women and he is still fawned over and spoken about in hushed, reverent ways and was soon welcomed back into the inner circles of golf shortly after his shameful, unfaithful ways were alleged to have ceased.
2
Have we forgotten that this man is an adulterous, drug abusing lecher, who accepted a presidential award from Trump?
...and we continue to celebrate him because he can hit a ball with a stick....
What a disgrace!
5
I used to think golf was a boring game for retirees, with emphasis on the word game. It seemed a sport on par with shuffleboard and croquet. Always a good athlete I preferred rowing, bicycle racing, open water swimming, and triathlons. That is until Tiger Woods hit the scene; watching him on television was as compelling as any sport with which I had ever been associated. On weekends we were hooked watching golf tournaments.
Soon my late wife, also always a good athlete, suggested we join the golf club where our weekend home was located. At first I resisted, but she insisted. “It will be fun.” After failing miserably at teaching ourselves we took weekly lessons with the pro all spring and into the summer.
“Wow,” I said. “This sport is hard.” And she smiled at me. She was usually right about everything.
We quickly got good at golf…and hooked. It was a wonderful way to spend four or five hours outside with my wife in a gorgeous setting. We were fortunate to play many top courses in the country in connection with conferences at which I spoke. Organizers always asked that I bring my wife to play golf - the rules fascinated her and she had nearly memorized the book. I once witnessed her hole-in from 40 yards out from the pin on Pebble Beach’s 4th fairway. Our scratch golfer companions were stunned.
I guess we played 500 rounds together before my wife died way too young. But for the inspiration of Tiger Woods, we would not have taken up the sport. Thank you Tiger and my wife.
12
Peter from Texas… my thoughts exactly!
He hooked the uninitiated with a beauty of motion that none of us lesser mortals could achieve. We lived our dreams by watching his back nine performances .
1
I'm not a big fan of golf but I'm watching this because Tiger Woods is displaying extraordinary courage.
Best wishes to him.
11
Tiger sustained self-imposed injuries. He was driving at twice the speed limit when he crashed his vehicle. He doesn't deserve praise for making a comeback.
9
@alan man, you are hard core... hope you never make a mistake
5
@alan
God forbid he get back up and try again. Let’s not have that.
7
@Alan ... I haven't seen one instance where he's asked for anyone's sympathy or "praise".
6
Isn’t it odd that the PGA doesn’t allow for workplace accommodations for those who meet the described standards for consideration? Seems both cruel and odd that one’s disability would make it so they cannot participate if they cannot walk. Idk. Last I checked being superhuman isn’t a n actual thing.
5
he caused his disability. doesn't deserve an accomodation.
1
@Mo Bowe: Workplace accommodations are to allow an individual to do the essential parts of a job. The accommodations are not to change the essential parts of the job. While many amateurs do ride golf carts, walking the course is an essential part of professional golf as much as actually swinging the club.
2
Met Tiger with my son when he was named SI Sportsman of the Year. He made a big fuss over my son who was 10 at the time. We asked for a picture and one of Tiger’s handlers said NO photos. He said don’t listen to her, let’s get some good shots with us in our tuxes. Truly kind and sincere to complete strangers. Naturally we still have them and will always be fans. As for the other stuff, let he who is without sin…
39
Do his sponsors make him pander to whatever remains of his public in this way in return for their money? Champions at the end so often are pretty sad to watch.
10
@Doug Karo
If it makes you sad don’t watch. Simple.
6
@Doug Karo "... whatever remains of his public ..." Obviously you haven't looked at the kind of ratings he still drives. And in terms of money, he remains the second highest paid athlete on the planet. You may not like him - that's fine - but you cannot deny his talent, his longevity, nor his ability to draw the attention to events in which he participates.
5
Who cares? He's not even a good person, or have you forgotten that part? Only in golf do reporters ignore the leaders or current best players and salivate over a has-been. It's really sad how the sports news media is so obsessed with reclaiming the ability to profit off the Tiger brand.
37
@Joe Some of us do. A has-been? He came out of nowhere to reclaim his Master's crown in 2019 and it was arguably one of the greatest comeback stories in the history of modern sport, certainly golf.
He's beat back the doubters so many times and yet, here they are again. Good person? Since when was that criterion for being a sports legend? He's human whose "sins" pale again former presidents.
16
@Joe
"He's not even a good person..."
Wow, Joe, stay in your lane. You can't determine someone's goodness.
7
@Joe, we've all made mistakes, and Tiger's a hero to many, who've had to come back from adversity. The Tiger's back Joe, ever if he doesn't win, he's still in the game. Eat your heart out.
5
Even if Tiger can't get the ball airborne, the breathless Masters announcers will hardly be able to talk about anyone else. He will consume all the air at the tournament.
14
@John0123
And thank God! Augusta is disgusting so let them fall all over themselves trying to act relevant
1
I love all those commenting “who cares” and yet here they are with their self righteousness. I guess they prefer to read about Will Smith.
19
Just read the comments below and am appalled at the casual cruelty of some of the things written.
Yes, the man was a womanizer, his politics might be suspect, his personal life was total trash- and the list can go on.
Off the golf course Tiger was a train wreck - but on it, no words to describe the pure athleticism, the talent of this man.
(And this from someone who doesn't like him as a man.)
But I'm also sure that he's aware that he can fail-
Hs injury was so severe, life threatening , he almost lost his leg- and no one knows how much his body can actually take.
I'm sure he also knows that he may destroy his recovery.
The thing is, though, is that he wants to try and I'm for that.
The courage that he will show when he steps up to the tee at Augusta on Thursday -I'm in awe.
35
TW was going 87 mph, over 45 mph over the speed limit.
Investigators said he was driving in an unsafe manner but would not release the cause of the accident.
He was not tested for alcohol or drugs.
He was not charged. He could have caused serious damage to someone else.
Must be nice to be a celebrity and get special treatment. Can everyone involved in a similar accident expect the same treatment?
4
If you’re willing and able, go get em Tiger!!! If not, no worries.
18
Will he now be given 15 minutes before putting?
6
Doesn’t he have enough money/fame?
Let someone else win, Tiger.
How much is too much for you? Given your personal demons.
3
@Rugger Perhaps you can start to appreciate the drive that is necessary to set or surpass almost every record in the sport. No, he hasn't matched Nicklaus' record of 18 majors, but his competition has been much greater as were the injuries - many self-inflicted - that he has battled. Please get back to us when you are arguably the best in history to have ever done something.
14
@Rugger
That is why he is a champion and you are not. Champions don’t have quit in them. He may fail but at least he has the guts to go out and try. It’s not about the money or the past it is about now!
1
If he makes the cut, it will be quite remarkable. If he makes it in the top 10 it will really be a complement to his medical team!
18
WOW. He's returning to the world of golf.
Best of luck to him this entire season.
The game is always a tad more interesting and exciting when Tiger Woods is on the green.
35
@Marge Keller ... Tiger will only tarnish the beauty we all remember by trying to play The Masters with a severe physical detraction. Listening to him as an erudite analyst as we watch the glorious Masters playground would be enough for me.
He has a long life ahead and will need those legs just to get through it. Drop the ego and grab the mike!!
Tiger and most of the other uber-wealthy pro golfers are unapologetic Trump supporters. That has taken the sheen off my enjoyment of watching them. I’m glad Tiger is recovering from his horrible injuries, but I’d be more pleased if he would make a recovery from his toxic political delusions.
48
@Jackson …Jeez, you’re all over this page, commenting on comments to commenters. It appears that you may the one who needs to help himself. Too funny.
1
so if somebody plays golf with or has the horrible judgment to like Trump then you must dislike that person no matter what. do you really mean that?
@Jay That’s what I love. Tolerance of differing opinions of public policy. Public policy which, unknown to some, is the only thing that matters.
Attaching politicians names and personalities to positions of public policy is foolish. Just stay on the merits of public policy.
Tiger Woods is the best thing to happen to golf. Golf was a dead game. I would go out to the course with my husband and the vast majority of people playing were retirees. My son would whine about golf camp in the summer. His friends teased him for playing. Gold was not cool.
Then Tiger came along and changed how the world perceived golf. Tiger Woods was not only a phenomenal player, but he represented everyone.
Tiger Woods 3 or More Win Years
1997: 4 Wins
1999: 8 Wins
2000: 9 Wins
2001: 5 Wins
2002: 5 wins
2005: 6 Wins
2006: 8 Wins
2007: 7 Wins
2008: 4 Wins
2009: 6 Wins
2012: 3 Wins
2013: 5 Wins
Despite playing in only 1 tournament in 2021, Tiger Woods won the $8 M PGA Player Impact bonus. It’s awarded to the player ability to engages fans regardless of performance.
https://amp.usatoday.com/amp/9340846002
Still to this day, no other player draws a crowd like Tiger Woods.
https://ftw.usatoday.com/2022/04/masters-tiger-woods-wild-photo-from-practice-round
When Tiger Woods plays a tournament, both TV ratings and attendance is higher. Tiger is a sponsors’ dream.
I’ve seen Tiger play live in a U.S. Open. He is exciting to watch.
Tiger Woods has done more for golf than any other player in the history of the game.
22
How much walking is that, per day?
Not the number of holes. The number of yards or miles.
I had a severe ankle fracture that required surgery, years ago. Not the same surgery as Tiger Woods had, though the surgeon did joke about amputation.
4
@Karen Lee The course measures 7,510 yards or about 4.25 miles. But that is just tee to green distance. There is a fair distance between some greens and the next tee (for example the #12 tee is probably 80 -100 yards from the #11 green). So figure well over 5 miles. And that is the straight line distance. TV can't begin to capture how the degree of elevation change - how hilly - Augusta National is. Tiger knows the course as well as anyone. He picked a very difficult place to come back. He must feel that he is ready.
5
@Karen Lee at least five miles, a solid third of which are uphill.
3
Who cares? In this day and age, seriously, with all that’s going on in the world, Tiger Woods opens his mouth and people still run to hear him? Please. Seriously, and again I ask, who cares?
6
@Jonathan Why did you read the article in the sports section if you felt this way?
20
Oh no! Not more media gushing over Tiger Woods.
8
Another vapid article about a guy who had it all and threw it away due to world class stupidity and drug abuse. Thanks.
8
@Joe Rockbotttom Why are you even here?
12
@Joe Rockbotttom
It's clear he didn't throw it all away. Still draws crowds.
I could barely muster the energy to click the article and then the comments to say: Who cares
10
I suffered a right tib-fib fracture in 2013 and almost had my leg amputated. I know the courage and focus it takes to recover and just walk, let alone play golf again. Tiger deserves respect. I look forward to his amazing performance this Masters.
34
Is a quote about Tiger Woods’ feelings really worthy of a headline on the NYT?
7
@Mark Holmes
Yes.
8
I've had back surgery. The Doctors and the physical therapist said no golfing or raking, no torquing of the torso. Woods will ho against all of that advice, (which he must have reveived), nevermind his leg, for pure vanity.
2
@SpoiledChildOfVictory How is it worse than reporting on the Oscars? Will Smith?
1
@SpoiledChildOfVictory
Well, if you are competing for multi million dollars, you may find yourself not listening to your doctor's advices.
1
@Jackson I do not recall making a statement about Will Smith, nor do I think Will Smith is Pro Golfer and to the best of my knowledge has he has not had back surgery. Begone foolish spirit.
1
This should be interesting... A decision likely motivated by the PGA more than anything but hey, all the best Tiger!
4
@Sipperd The PGA of America is an association of club pros. The PGA Tour was created in 1969. Two different organizations with two different purposes and two different memberships. The PGA has nothing to do with Tiger Woods decision to do or not do anything.
Gotta be honest, I'm shocked. I thought that just maybe he would play in the par 3 tournament. So going for the full enchilada is gutsy for sure.
But I guess thinking like I do is why I've only watched on TV, and people like Tiger Woods plays...
2
Is there a compelling reason we are still talking about T Woods? He was a great golfer when he was young and now he's another guy who is sometimes on the tour. Why such a newsworthy item if he might play or not?
14
@T S. Foxe Probably because he's had an epic career, a fascinating/controversial life, and has been the number one draw in golf - forever. Arguably, the GOAT. And still has golf in him. Does that make him newsworthy? Yes.
12
@Jason Schnepf … also… he won the masters three years ago…
9
Augusta National, golf’s ‘most spectacular’ stage? Hardly. It does, however, boast one of the game’s most-checkered past, as in racist. Woods can play. Woods can even win. But all the fawning over this ‘spectacular’ stage will never erase Augusta’s contemptible treatment of the men and women who look like Woods. See you at The Open, played this year at St. Andrew’s, golf’s most spectacular stage.
16
@Liberty Apples
THANK YOU!!!
6
So much for me complaining about walking across the room to retrieve the TV remote.
11
I think having to walk the course instead of allowing golf carts is ridiculous. There was a guy a few years back who was very good but he'd had a leg amputation and walking the course wasn't realistic for him so they didn't allow him to compete. It's 2022 for god's sake. it might also give geezer golf pro's a little longer career.
4
@LARRY KLIMAS I think the idea is to introduce a little more athleticism into the game. I remember when the final of the US Open was 36 holes and it was definitely a factor- the walking, the heat. Just ask Ken Venturi.
And they make them wear long pants.
6
@LARRY KLIMAS
Casey Martin
5
@LARRY KLIMAS
Jack and Arnie had it right. If you can’t walk it, sit in the stands and watch. And if you don’t think walking the course all four rounds to a win doesn’t matter, google Ken Venturi pass out US open.
7
Tiger is walking due to modern medicine and technology. I am sure he is grateful for the chance to play golf at all, now competitively on one of golf's most challenging course. Where he finishes is secondary, all I wish him is good health and luck.
18
Still can't like Tiger Woods as long as he is proposing to clearcut over a thousand mature trees and obliterate a nature preserve in Chicago's Jackson and South Shore Parks.
32
@Voter
Why would Tiger do that?
There are a few diverse topics and subjects about which the media have an almost irresistible fetish -
Tiger Woods places high on that list --
About six or seven years ago - I remember reading the weekly sports column by Phil Mushnick in the New York Daily News - where he captured this obsession in a nutshell -
"This just in! - Tiger Woods has been severely injured in a major nuclear bomb explosion!! - And - oh yes - three hundred million other people were also killed or injured. - We'll bring you updates about Tiger as they become available" -
You can just hear the TV producers barking into the ear-pieces of the on-air gold announcers -- "More about Tiger! - Show more Tiger! - Where's Tiger now!" --
Yes - we're happy that Tiger Woods has recovered from his devastating injuries - but I won't be watching "The Tiger Woods Show" - aka The Masters this weekend ...
20
Can’t they make an exception and let woods use a cart?
2
Not even a good walk spoiled, eh?
@Citizen he would never agree to that!
4
@Citizen
Why? To be fair everybody should use a cart or nobody
3
Woods will be back on the golf course until his next misadventure which he seems very good at excelling at.
17
@Jacquie
May all your “misadventures” be headlines. Then we can see where you “excel.”
@Jacquie
Win...misadventure...win...misadventure...win
Life is a roller coaster, ain't it?
1
Not surprised - he really wants Jack’s record and time, not his leg, is his enemy now. More power to him. Swing easy, hit hard (Julius Boros).
5
Tiger Woods doesn't have the proverbial snowball's chance of winning the Masters this year, as he says it does. He is the ultimate competitor and a great Masters champion, one of our greatest golf champions, but Tiger is fooling himself if he actually thinks he can win a grueling test like the Masters, against younger and stronger players, some who have won this tournament, after suffering such serious leg damage. Golf is a game of torque; backs and legs are twisting at great pressure. All those miles of walking up and down hills don't help either. I wish him good health.
4
@Roland Fagan
You could have written that same comment in 2019, when, you know, he won the Masters.
1
I named my son after a golfer. I have liked golf and spent numerous hours watching or chipping golf balls despite the snobby culture that surrounds this game. I had hoped that would change with people of color entering the sport
Then came trump and the golfers who support him. Never mind Tiger and his failures and triumphs; I cannot stomach the other guys. And then there's always Augusta
Good Bye Golf- it's been a good run! You are next to those idiots who own NFL teams and the other idiots who play for them in my book. I have more time now to get out
10
@FerCry'nTears Get out where?
@Jackson
Out of the house and away from the t.v. and watching sports
2
@FerCry'nTears
How golfers, who are supposedly bastions of honesty and gentlemen-like behavior, can support a liar and cheat such as trump, is beyond me. The dude is a verified cheer at golf! I hate playing with people like that.
Talk about having no values
6
Rehab should be done privately. Nobody really wants to endure another public one of Tiger’s. It’s unfair the the young pros yet to make a name for themselves to get this guy out of there. I was a big fan of Jack Nicklaus but all I remember was his great golf and nothing of him personally. With Tiger it’s just totally the opposite.
6
@Indifferent, that was not very charitable, how about if he just plays and no one says a word? Let the score speak for itself.
For Tiger to be competitive, he has to ask the PGA for special usage of a golf cart to play, to complete the tournament.
What will the Masters do and the TV audience demand? After all it's 'Tiger'.
It would seem he needs more time for rehab, if the can't walk the course. No one would think less of him.
Or does he need to play because he needs the visibility to keep the endorsement money coming in.
Pretty sad if this is case, where cash overrules common sense.
1
@Sailaway
Yes you have to wonder after the way Tigers former roommate Casey Martin was treated re: use of golf cart
2
@Sailaway Bottom line, he loves and thrives on the attention and adulation. He's like his good buddy Trump that way. I hope he misses the cut.
5
@Mike
You are referring, of course, to the Narcissists Club.
Btw, check out today's column in the WaPo: yet another story about how the denizens of MAGA Vichy loudly applaud the Fat Man as he enters any room.
I hate to be a downer but are we just going to dismiss Tiger’s issues with painkillers, his past womanizing and related emotional issues? Are they still present? Were they related to the car accident? Why didn’t the police say more than they did? Is stardom getting in the way of truth? In an age of mental health and pressures from stardom becoming outspoken by athletes - these issues are important to young people who need to understand the complexity of Tigers career and all the issues related.
37
@Ed T.
Perhaps reading Karen Crouse instead of Bill Pennington would satisfy the desire wallow inTiger's many difficulties. She has laid out all his faults multiple times in the NYT - it's all there for you. Enjoy!
3
I love golf but I have Tiger fatigue. Every year there are great young men and women whose names we hear about and get to know because the world of golf media is NOT focused on Tiger. I don’t know exactly how selections are made for tournaments, but I think another player is waiting for Tiger to make a decision. If Tiger is playing, that player is not.
7
@Dave Selections? I think you mean earned exemptions. Everything a golfer gets is earned by his score. It wins you money, it gets you into tournaments. There is no other way. Some professionals have earned a lot in winnings and never have played in the Masters.
4
@Dave The size of the field fluctuates depending upon a variety of factors related to past performance, world rankings, wins, amateur finishes, etc. Tiger Woods appearance or non appearance in this years events doesn’t affect another player in any conceivable way. The field is small. Around 100. But it changes every year based upon the criteria of the Masters tournament. If Lexi Thompson would have won the Valero Texas Open last week she would be playing. Instead J.J. Spaun won. He has never seen the course until yesterday but he will play this week so that increased the field by one with that win.
6
Ha! I follow tennis and your comment is relevant if you omit the name “tiger” to “williams”! Still works! But again, this is what they do for living, they still draw crowds …huge crowds! The organizations themselves want them to play! For us, its about the sports but for them its a job! And for the organizations and telecast…its business ! 🤷♀️
2
There's a part of me that thinks Tiger swinging at 80-90% might lead to some of the best golf of his career.
8
@Ben
Great thought, Ben. I hadn't considered it, but now I believe you're right.
1
The Masters: “A Tradition Unlike Any Other.” Tiger Woods: A golfer unlike any other.
22
I am so very pleased to learn this. Now I have a compelling reason to tune it. The big cat is back and in it to win it!
8
While not a golf fan or spectator by any stretch of the imagination, like many around the world, I’ve been in awe not only of Tiger Woods’s mind boggling talent, but more significantly, his ability to endure and persist in times when he experiences winning droughts, coupled with personal tribulations.
If he never wins another tournament - and I’m not crazy enough to bet against that and won’t - I feel myself fortunate to have watched him play and to witness his resilience (yes , I did say resilience because it’s an admirable quality), and what his presence has meant to many aspiring golfers who see themselves and their humanity in him.
More power and success to you, Tiger Woods, whatever that looks like or means to you now.
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I certainly wish Tiger the best and hope he's able to compete, but it shouldn't be at the expense of his long term health. He has accomplished more than most humans on this earth and is easily one of the greatest golfers to ever live. He's paid his dues.
Let's be real: the man lives every single day with physical pain. His spine is fused- there is no way, not a chance, that ANYONE isn't living a pain free life after that. Plus he's in his 40s.
Still, you never know with Tiger. He possesses the same fierce competitive nature that Jordan did. He could surprise us all, once again.
My prediction: he plays Thursday and withdraws after, or he doesn't make the cut. Still, I'm rooting for him.
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@PubliusMaximus I agree. I think he will start and withdraw when he realizes just what he is up against. He was visibly limping more in the second practice round he played, and this was nine holes, I believe. Eighteen holes on 4 consecutive days?
But then this is Tiger, and there have been few athletes in any sport with his will power. Tom Brady, maybe.
2
@Will Rothfuss Tiger first played the Masters in 1995. He's played literally 100's of rounds at Augusta National. He had the accident 14 months ago and has been working on the rehab continuously since. I would imagine that Tiger is well aware of "what he is up against." Will he be in pain? Most likely. Do I think he is going to withdraw? Not a chance. He would never have said he would tee it up if he wasn't 100% confident that he could be competitive for four days of the tournament.
1
As someone who has had to go thru surgery from a closed broken ankle complete with plate and pins, I can only be amazed at Tiger and his ability to suffer thru physical therapy and come back to play in the Masters! To lose mobility is one of my biggest fears -so the sheer fortitude it takes to muscle thru the pain to compete at this level is the mark of the true competitor! I hope he wins-again! Go Tiger!
10
Even after everything, it's hard not to cheer him on. It would be an inspiring comeback.
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My feelings are so mixed…I love watching Tiger play the Masters but if he plays this year, I will be wondering what permanent damage he might be doing to his leg. I want Tiger to be as healthy and functional as possible for the decades of life he has ahead of him. He has given enough to the game and to us.
8
"Loss leader" Tiger.....he just HAS to show at the Masters to give it a boost in the TV ratings. He's not at all capable of playing golf at the professional level any more, but the producers of Atlanta's big extravaganza need him to limp around at least for 18 holes as clickbait. Too sad, and too cynical, to see.
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@Robert I believe the tournament is in Augusta. The Tour Championship is in Atlanta. If he can’t make the cut, he will not make the cut. No reason to despair. I’m betting that some players will miss the cut. Just a guess.
17
@Robert The fact that you have no clue where the tournament is played says all that needs to be said. The Masters does not depend on TV revenue to make money and is in the midst of a nine-year contract with CBS which means ratings mean absolutely nothing.
9
@Robert Apparently you don’t even know where the tournament is, so your whining doesn’t have much credibility. How do you know he’s not capable of playing golf?
5
This is a welcome announcement. After almost losing his leg in his car crash months ago, Tiger is once again planning to compete at a major he has won five times. It is wonderful to see for everyone who has undergone multiple injuries. With great doctors, a positive support system and encouragement from other pros and fans, he can go far. Good luck Tiger!
35
The fact that Tiger believes that he can walk the very hilly fairways at the Masters is amazing. If he makes the cut it is even more amazing. If he is competitive that takes amazing to a new level. If he were to win it would constitute the greatest comeback in sports history. Thursday cannot come soon enough. After all it is the Masters.
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