The 1997 Masters seems like two lifetimes ago.
Twenty years ago, a 21-year-old phenom sent a message to the world — a new superstar was born.
Tiger Woods was the greatest player of his era and you can make the argument that he is the best ever to play the game. His record, his resume screams it loud and clear. But this week will bring the painful reminder that time takes its toll, time is undefeated.
Tiger Woods will be at Augusta National this week. There’s no reason for him to miss the Tuesday night Champions Dinner, one of the great traditions at the club. He’ll be there with the rest of the Green Jacket winners, he’s got four. Only Jack Nicklaus with six has more.
The unanswered question right now is this:
Will Tiger Woods be in the field when play begins next Thursday?
When Woods was in New York a couple of weeks ago, hawking his book that talks about that first Masters victory two decades ago, this was his response when asked if he would be playing next week:
“God I hope so. I’m trying. I’m trying everything to be able to get back and play. I love that event. It’s meant so much to me in my life. It was the first major I ever played back in 1995. It has so much history and meaning to me. I’d love to get back.”
Will Woods play?
That’s a tough call. Right now, Woods is listed in the 94-player field. Unlike the PGA Tour, The Masters does not have an entry deadline. Woods can either withdraw or show up anytime he wants. But there are a number of problems facing Woods.
The he first problem is that Woods has been unable to play since he withdrew from the Dubai Desert Classic back in early February. His back has been a mess, at one point, he was told to stay “horizontal.”
He’s vertical now. He was able to sit through a three-hour book signing in New York.
The second problem is the impending weather next week. The last thing Woods’ body needs is the start-stop-start action that comes when there’s a weather delay. It takes Woods hours of prep to get his body to where he can head for the practice facility. No way he can get off the course, go into the clubhouse then head back out after a delay. He knows it.
The third problem is the nature of Augusta National itself. The course is not an easy walk, especially if one’s body is 41-years-old. Factor that and the variation of lies and stances that can confront a competitor next week. The good news is that there is no punishing rough at Augusta National. There’s room to drive the golf ball, the course defends itself starting with second shots.
The fourth issue and the biggest obstacle is simple lack of playing time. Woods can hit all the balls on the range he wants. He simply has not had enough competitive golf under his belt to have any sort of expectations if he does try to play next week.
Fifth, can he handle shooting 75-74 or something like that and settle for missing the 36-hole cut?
Tiger Woods has NEVER missed the 36-hole cut at The Masters.
Woods went eight years on the PGA Tour without missing a cut. That run started after the 1997 Canadian Open. Eight years.
The answer to this ringing question could come quickly.
Rain could wipe out a lot of practice time on Monday, which means if Woods wants to get out, he will probably have to show up this weekend to log some time on the course.
Will he?
Won’t he?
Only Woods knows for sure.
