Golf: Golf-Tiger return at Augusta National has Masters buzzing

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AUGUSTA, Ga. (Reuters) – The Masters is at all times one thing particular however add in a Tiger Woods comeback and the top of COVID-19 restrictions and the yr’s first main is poised to be become a {golfing} celebration.

After COVID restricted the variety of spectators allowed onto the grounds during the last two years, the galleries are again in full pressure and so is the unmistakable Augusta National buzz amplified by the presence of Woods on the manicured fairways.

Everyone coming into stately Augusta National can sense the distinction.

The Azaleas appear to odor somewhat sweeter, the Pimento cheese sandwiches somewhat tastier and the visitors so much busier.

“You can really feel it,” mentioned Spain’s Jon Rahm, the world quantity two and betting favorite to stroll away with the coveted Green Jacket on Sunday. “Numerous it’s Tiger.

“I used to be taking part in with Tony Finau on the entrance 9 yesterday.

“We had been on seven, and so they (Woods group) had been strolling down on two, and I’ve by no means seen a mass (of spectators) this massive, even on a Sunday in competition, on these two holes.

“There’s much more electrical energy within the air in that sense, and you’ve got Tiger being there, yeah. Monday felt like a Saturday in a daily occasion.”

TIGERMANIA RETURNS

The first day of official follow on Monday supplied a glimpse of what to anticipate from the week forward.

Tigermania is ready to return after Woods confirmed on Tuesday he’ll play the Masters 14 months after a automotive crash that just about resulted in docs amputating his proper leg, setting the stage for what might go down as considered one of sport’s biggest comebacks.

“It was unbelievable,” mentioned Justin Thomas, who joined Woods on his Monday follow spherical together with Fred Couples.

“I had a few buddies ship me some photos final night time, and that is most likely extra folks than have ever watched me play a spherical at Augusta National and so they weren’t there to look at me.”

If getting back from a devastating damage was not sufficient Woods upped the ante by placing himself in an excellent larger highlight, saying not solely is he able to play however able to profitable a sixth Green Jacket.

Not even his fellow golfers are betting in opposition to him.

“I would not be stunned,” mentioned Rory McIlroy, who can be searching a primary Masters title that will see him full the profession Grand Slam of all 4 majors. “He’s hitting it effectively. He’s chipping effectively. He’s sharp.

“It’s simply the bodily demand of getting round 72 holes right here this week.

“So would I be stunned? No, I’m not stunned at something he does anymore.”

GREAT THEATRE

Woods has not competed on the PGA Tour for the reason that November 2020 Masters, his choice to return this week making certain nice theatre to deliver the curtain up on the majors season.

Certainly the 15-time main winner might decide no higher place for a coomeback than Augusta National.

Woods has made 23 Masters appearances and has a locker full of Green Jackets, the final coming in 2019 when after years of surgical procedure and private issues in opposition to all odds he managed to finish an 11-year majors drought.

“Delighted to listen to Tiger goes to present it a go at the Masters,” tweeted Jack Nicklaus. “While he is in a distinct place in his life, Tiger would not tee it up if he did not suppose he might compete and win.

“Tiger is aware of this golf course just like the again of his hand and, in 2019, as soon as in place, he remembered win.

“If his physique holds up, might he do it once more?”

(Reporting by Steve Keating; Editing by Ken Ferris)



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