Exclusive; On a Quiet Sunday, Woods Gets Down to Work
When Tiger Woods competed in the 88th Masters, he found himself surrounded by the type of environment he loves Sunday. It was an afternoon spent alone in the bright sunshine, with few interruptions and only a few clubs.
Now, if you think a nine-hole excursion with the sole purpose of drilling and hitting the challenging greens on Augusta National’s front nine is an odd way to start preparing for your 26th Masters. , check your history. Just five years ago, Woods came in late on Sunday and did the same thing at Augusta — birdie, birdie on the front nine — and it worked out pretty well for him. He shot 70-68-67-70 to win his fifth green jacket.
History won’t repeat itself this year, but at 48 years old, Woods still attracts a lot of attention. That’s why there was a palpable buzz in the air as familiar faces – many of them former champions – passed each other behind the clubhouse, near the 9th and 18th greens and the 1st and 10th tees. . -Have you ever seen a tiger? asked Ben Crenshaw, the 1984 and 1995 Masters champion.
Fred Peirce walked the 18th green, Scottie Scheffler practiced with his sister Molly, and former champions Mark O’Meara and Tom Watson headed for an afternoon practice session. Everyone at least once caught the sight of the five-time champion, who showed up at the track around 3 p.m.
Accompanied by his longtime friend, Rob McNamara, his TGR executive vice president, Woods walked free and worked hard in the fields. On various occasions he caught up with Tom Kim and later met Jason Day. But each time, the players who hit every club in the bag said goodbye to Woods and let him work on his short game.
Woods’ presence drew attention and smiles widened as word spread. No words were needed. It’s always good when Woods takes the field at the Masters.
