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Tiger Woods Post Augusta
12/4/10
Although he may have left the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club disappointed Tiger sure made a lot of people happy, not to mention bookies, after returning to competitive golf.
Impossible to imagine the pressure Tiger endured, given his recent issues off the course but, there again, it was self-inflicted and accepted .
Hell bent on redeeming himself with the public and the PGA, after five much-chronicled months away, Tiger showed tremendous, commendable resolution.
Frustration, dismay and irritation were clearly visible, not to mention audible, as he was heard saying, “Tiger Woods, you suck, goddammit', after he hit a bad shot on Saturday; And, on ‘final Sunday’, he weighed in with a 'Jesus Christ' and a “God, Tiger”.
You can only imagine what the doubters were thinking, not to mention the Men of the Masters, also referred to as the MOTM or Mob by some, in the distant past!
Augusta accepts far less than the market value for its television rights, so it can remain in complete control of the telecast and is able to fire announcers if they don't like what they are saying; this club only accepted it's first black member back in 1990, despite many black people working as waiters, caddies, and members of the grounds crew.
The latter doesn't come as too much of a surprise given the state of Georgia, reportedly, condoned black slavery.
Leopards never change their spots and, despite assurances, Tiger was visually fed up when interviewed after the tournament; "I entered to win...finished fourth...I'm not happy...I'm not sure when I'll play again!"
It said everything, his flashes of brilliance, intermingled with a colossal load (which will take some shifting!) on a very troubled mind gave a fascinating edge to the Augusta story 2010 which ended, ironically, with the love and emotion of Mr and Mrs Phil Mickleson as they held each other.
Last year Amy was diagnosed with cancer..., now that's a real problem and 'Big Phil' took time off, to be WITH his wife!!!
The problem with frustration and anger is they sap precious energy that is vital to preserve in a major tournament such as the Masters; focus has to be channeled into the task because matters only get worse with agitation.
Obviously disillusioned with his ball striking and all round gamesmanship, he three-putted from four feet on the 14th, the green where his chances of victory to the eventual winner, Phil Mickelson, narrowed to a slither. Watching him miss the second putt from around 19 inches was a sad moment.
He may have stayed eerily quiet on this occasion, but you could tell he was fighting to keep a serious toddler tantrum from getting the better of him. Instead, he pushed on, and much to the amazement of everyone, and in true rollercoaster fashion, he eagled the 15th. Get on Tiger! The sign in the sky read, ‘Can he do it?’ The price at bookies suddenly looked tempting at 100/1. His broad, natural smile said it all!
Really we should have been concerned with our man Lee Westwood; would he become the first Englishman to win at Augusta for 14 years? unfortunately not but he was outstanding. As the last five months have proved however, Tiger is the one we want to see, and if he’s not playing, viewing figures, not to mention betting turnover, plummet.
The comeback Tiger and his sponsors had hoped for, dreamt of, was not to be, but no one could doubt that despite looking uncomfortable, he was in contention from day one. His refusal to give up even after dropping three shots in the first five holes, spoke volumes, and says more about him than any rubbish you read in the gossip columns.
Tiger later birdied the 18th and responded to the roars of the crowd with another of his beaming smiles, which may have well said, I’m playing for pride. I may well have ruined my perfectly constructed image, done some stupid things, but…
Good to have you back Tiger…
Words: Suzannah Sorrell
