A Masterful Return?

Tiger. He's recognized worldwide by one name. He's stood at the top of professional golf rankings for years. And, at long last, he’s back.

Following Tiger Woods’ fall from grace during the hyper-publicized revelation of his marital infidelity to former wife Elin Nordegren, he saw a sharp decline in his performance during the PGA tour. He was unable to notch a single tour victory in both 2009 and 2010, as the world witnessed golf’s former golden boy slice routine fairway shots and miss putt after putt after putt. Though he rebounded slightly in 2012 by winning three tour events, golf analysts and fans alike questioned whether or not Woods could recover from the scandal that not only tore apart his family but also rocked his professional career.

Woods releasing a statement admitting to extramarital relations shortly after
the public learned of his cheating scandal in late 2009.

However, though Tiger may have taken a bit of a hiatus, it seems as though he is back to his winning ways in 2013. Woods began the year by winning the Farmers Insurance Open in January, marking the seventh time he had won the event. In March, he won the WGC-Cadillac Championship, also for a seventh time. Two weeks later, Woods claimed his third victory by winning the Arnold Palmer Invitational for a record-tying eighth time. That win would eventually catapult Woods to the top of the world rankings for the first time in years. 

With all the pomp and circumstance surrounding Tiger’s suggested return to glory, he still has yet to end a drought that has plagued him since 2008: winning a major. That losing streak could come to an end this weekend as The 2013 Masters Tournament fast approaches. If Woods were to win The Masters, he would achieve his 15^th major win, placing him three wins behind the all-time major leader Jack Nicklaus.

Jack Nicklaus poses with Tiger Woods after Woods won the Memorial
Tournament in 2012.

To say the least, this year’s Masters is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated events Augusta National has seen in recent years. Whether or not you’ve turned your back on Tiger because of his cheating scandal, persisted as a stalwart supporter, or simply remained indifferent to his antics, there is no denying the fanfare that surrounds this year’s hunt for the green jacket.

Also playing on golf’s biggest stage are Rory McIlroy, the young star who some call the second coming of Tiger Woods, and Phil Mickelson, one of the most accomplished golfers currently on the tour. Those three superstars alone would make for an entertaining competition, but combine their presence with golfers like Steve Stricker, Lee Westwood, and Bubba Watson, who executed an incredible recovery shot from the woods on the 10^th hole en route to winning last year’s Masters, and this tournament is sure to deliver.

Bubba Watson in his green jacket shortly after winning The 2012 Masters

Even without Tiger Woods on the scene, The Masters would, without a doubt, still draw the immense following it always has. Augusta National is the crown jewel of professional golf. Players would still compete, fans would still watch, and one man would eventually don the heralded green jacket.

But there’s just something about the name Tiger Woods. Though now it carries the stigma of being associated with lying, unfaithfulness, and immorality, it also stands for a decorated champion. I don’t mean to imply that he should be forgiven, and that we as a fan base should turn a blind eye and focus on his performance on the course. Rather, I mean to stress that one of the most successful competitors of all time is on the verge of regaining his composure and chasing one of the most sought-after records in all of sports. That, in and of itself, makes The Masters worth watching whether you root for him or not (I’m personally in Phil Mickelson’s camp). It’s comparable to tennis greats Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal squaring off at Wimbledon or Magic Johnson and Larry Bird going at it in the NBA Finals in a classic Lakers v. Celtics matchup. When the absolute very best players in the world compete at the highest level, you’re cheating yourself by not paying attention to it.

Woods practicing for The 2013 Masters Tournament

I don’t know if Tiger Woods will win The 2013 Masters. But I know that when I tune in this weekend, I’ll be treated some of the most exciting and competitive play that golf has to offer. And if, just if, Tiger manages to secure a fifth green jacket and his first major since 2008, I want to be there to see it.