As Tiger Woods drove down Magnolia Lane on Sunday in preparation for the Masters tournament, the historic entrance to Augusta National must have appeared in a different light than numerous years past.
Sporting sunglasses and a slight stubble (in the form of a new goatee), the world’s number one took his first steps toward rebuilding his golf future at one of the sport's most hollowed grounds. Most prominent about the returning Woods was his bracelet, which he has previously explained as a symbol reminding him of his Buddhist faith. The bracelet, much like the renewed Woods, could be Tiger’s ticket to a tee time in the final round.
On Sunday, Woods hit practice shots and tested the greens at Augusta alongside fellow PGA Tour players. He lined up at the range, just like any other Tour player and was accompanied by an entourage that included his longtime coach, Hank Haney and caddie, Steve Williams.
As practice rounds begin this week and pimento cheese sandwiches infiltrate spectators taste buds (the sandwich is a longstanding tradition at the Masters), Tiger’s presence at Augusta signifies that regardless of the names atop the leader board, he will most certainly be the gallery’s main course.
TV ratings are expected to go through the roof if Woods is anywhere close to the hunt on Sunday. Some speculate the viewer-ship to be in the same league as the SuperBowl, translating in to a big win for CBS (broadcasters of the third and fourth rounds of the Masters). Thursday and Friday’s rounds will be broadcast by ESPN. If you are stuck in the office or can’t get to a TV, the folks at Augusta have got you covered.
Masters.com will offer several opportunities for live streaming video from several vantage points around the uber exclusive course. From April 8th to 11th, live coverage of Amen Corner and Hole Nos. 15 and 16 will be available via the Web site. Cyber viewers will also get the opportunity to follow a featured group through their round (fingers crossed Woods’s group will be one of them), each day Thursday through Sunday. If you’re like me, the live feed of player interviews from the Press building will be permanently minimized in on your desktop for easy access and viewing between emails. In addition, an extra hour of bonus live coverage will be available on the site each day of the official tournament. Live coverage of Augusta’s famed Par 3 Contest can be access from Masters.com as well.
To Learn More
The Masters Golf Tournament, www.masters.com.
