Tiger's Long Awaited Return

Tiger Woods is returning to golf, finally. Many would be unhappy with that statement after his recent 4 month sex scandal and the whirlwind of controversy surrounding Tiger and his family. However others feel it is a long awaited act that needed to happen sooner rather than later due to the fact that these days, Tiger Woods is Golf. In the 4 months since Tiger has been absent from the game, ratings for televised golf events have dropped 20%. Could be there be a connection? I would say undoubtedly yes. Tiger has brought a whole new fan base to the game with his incredible play and the fact that he seems invincible with a club in his hand. No doubt the powers that be in golf today are greatly looking forward to his return not merely for the fact that it will bring their revenue back, but because the drama surrounding Tiger may soar their income to new heights. The game is not only about Tiger and can he come back as good as he was the day he left, but about how the emotional aspect of it all will affect him on the course. At golf’s biggest event, The Masters, he will make his return on the biggest stage in front of the most cameras and golf’s most hardcore fans. Is it a recipe for disaster or for a huge success? That answer will come on April 8-11 when Tiger steps out to take his first swing. For ratings his return will be nothing short of spectacular because there is now that soap opera sort of drama following him out onto the course. That day there are sure to be fans in great support voicing it at the height of their lungs. However there will no doubt be hecklers looking to see if Tiger will fold under the pressure of the media and its incredible scrutiny. While the PGA has made assurances that any negative onlookers will be swiftly dealt with, everyone knows it will be impossible to stop a few from getting their opinions across during the course of the game. That will be the test many both for and against Tiger will be waiting on the edge of their seats to see. How will Tiger react? So far when questioned by the media he has done nothing but shown a veil of confidence when asked about his return to Augusta. “The major championships have always been a special focus in my career and, as a professional, I think Augusta is where I need to be, even though it's been a while since I last played.” said Tiger on Monday. It’s true that he seems quite comfortable there after having won 4 green jackets. If he wins a 5th on his return, all the naysayers will be silenced rather quickly.