In a parallel universe, we could be sitting in a cafe somewhere around the world, watching the world go by as Augusta fever starts to take hold.
We could be talking about Rory McIlroy and his Midas touch. We’ll even change the subject to Brooks Koepka and his hopes of a fifth major. Or tilt the conversation to Jon Rahm and Justin Thomas, two forces of world golf this year so far.
The comfy chairs would suck us in for a little longer. Keeping us excited for golf’s blue riband event, a nice thought, and unfortunately a far cry from being stuck to claustrophobic realms of the apartment today.
You don’t have to care for golf to like the Masters. It’s one of those sporting events we all tune into. It’s like the theatre of dreams. Men in that final group on Sunday like gods. Thousands of people following them. Millions worldwide tuning in.
Tiger Woods was that God last year. An untouchable figure standing in the middle of thousands of fans. His roar echoing through the thick pines in Georgia. Another fascinating chapter added to his storied tale.
Woods was due to defend his green jacket this weekend after winning his fifth title – and 15th major crown – last year. He might be 44 but no man can bring as much magic to the course as the Florida native.
McIlroy, Thomas and Rahm may be the three best players on form this year, however, the popularity of Tiger and what he has achieved in the game trumps all. He’s the man all the fans want to see.
From his first Masters win in 1997 at just 21 through the terminator period of his career to the self-destruction – he was ranked 1,119th at one point – and the resurrection has been inconsistent at best.
Four back and four knee surgeries plagued him during those years and left him bedridden. There was no doubt times he felt like his dreams of winning another tournament were light-years away.
It’s a different Woods now though – a human being rather than the machine who cut his way through the field over a decade ago. He’s loosened up more, stops to chat to players on the range and looks to really enjoy the buzz of playing.
Perhaps those dark days recovering from surgery made him realise the fun missed when he was so focused on winning tournaments. For me, that’s what made his victory in Augusta last year all the more extraordinary.
Trailing by two shots heading into the final round, Woods wasn’t going to get a better chance to complete the most thrilling comeback in American sports history.
People wanted the comeback story. Wanted to see him lift the trophy. Wanted to see the emotion. While others believed for him to be in that final group alone was a huge positive.
It was only on the 15th hole when he seized control after overnight leader Francesco Molinari double-bogeyed. Then on the 16th, he struck a glorious tee shot to within three feet for a birdie.
The straightforward birdie put the Florida man two clear with two holes to play and he closed it out at the final hole to trigger an emotional embrace with his children Charlie and Sam. An amazing story.
Since that magical day in Augusta, the world number 11 has played 10 times, including a win at the ZOZO Championship in Japan and placing fourth at the Hero World Challenge.
He has not featured since tweaking his back during the Genesis Open in February, but despite the history of his spinal problems, he is recovering well and the physical break will do him the world of good.
If Augusta was to have gone ahead as normal, he would have been short on competition sharpness. The focused figure that he is will be in the gym daily, carrying out his rehab work and hitting around the garden. Perhaps those extra hours will give him an opportunity to weigh up what lies on the road ahead.
He’s still determined to compete and push for as long as he can at the highest level. He is not in his mid-20s anymore though and the precious years to close in on Jack Nicklaus’ haul of 18 majors are narrowing.
The goal is surely to keep challenging and, most importantly, keep enjoying his golf. Woods is within touching distance of the PGA all-time career victories list. He needs one more win to move ahead of his compatriot Sam Snead on 83 titles.
For any sports fan, to see the big man defend his green jacket this weekend would have been a joy to behold. It’s a pity it can’t happen now. We will have to wait until November and hope it is not too late for more of Woods’ prowess.
Turning 45 in December, the only rivals are competition and time. The suspension in the season means that late drive to stand alone at the top of the game is in limbo. Another enthralling chapter will have to be put on hold for now.
