Golf Rejoices as Woods Returns

Filed in archive Golf News on February 26, 2009

Will he hoist it again?

In case you missed it, Tiger Woods is back in action.

But then, how could you have missed it?

Tiger's return to the game at this week's World Golf Championship made the CBS Evening News two nights ago along with other U.S. network newscasts.

The Golf Channel created a special promo with voice-over from actor Samuel E. Jackson (as the voice of God) trumpeting Woods' comeback.

The consensus is that his return will rejuvenate what was quickly turning into a so-so Tour season in terms of excitement.

And you can bet PGA Commissioner Tim Finchem is thanking the heavens for some good news for a change.

Woods' swing looks solid - he comfortably moved past Australian Brendan Jones and, at the time of writing, he was preparing to take on South African Tim Clark.

What are Tiger's chances after a nearly 10 month layoff? If we're talking about a mere mortal, his chances must be rated poor: plenty of rust, physically and mentally and so forth.

But we're not talking about a mere mortal. We're talking about someone who played 4 tough rounds at the U.S. Open and a playoff to win - on a broken leg and torn knee ligaments.

So, frankly, who would be surprised if Tiger won the whole enchilada at the WGC this week?

Whether he wins or not is a moot point; the man who single-handedly propels the game of professional golf forward has returned.

And that one point exposes the vulnerable under-belly in the game today. Professional golf needs Tiger Woods and it needs him badly.

TV ratings will climb with his return, tournament sponsors just might be willing to stick out their contracts with the PGA Tour for another season despite the crippling financial debacle facing them and that, of course, will help to put a floor on prize money, if only temporarily.

So it's good news all around.

But he won't be - can't be - the world's best for the rest of his playing days.

He is now a father of two kids and that will most definitely impact his already tight playing schedule. It will also impact his ability to stay on top.

You cannot play the game of golf the way he does without playing a lot of golf.

So while the monarch rules once more, there is no heir apparent in the wings. Times are good again for now.

But down the road, the game needs to see another savior coming.