All eyes will be on the first tee at 1:42 pm (EST) this afternoon as Tiger Woods takes the tee for his first tournament round since his incident last year. Most people wonder what type of reaction Tiger will receive from the crowd and some about how he will react. Tiger is not accustomed to being booed, but in my opinion, I doubt the crowd at Augusta will have the audacity to heckle Tiger (do so and face the wrath of the Master’s security). This is not the US Open in New York, where things often get rowdy for the (cough) well lathered fans, but one of the most respected and polite crowds in professional golf. However this may change due to the media circus that has been created around Tiger. Personally, I think there should be complete silence. Imagine how disconcerting it would be to step up to the tee in front of thousands of people, only to hear absolutely nothing. If that wouldn’t shock you, I don’t know what to say.
In other Tiger news, Nike has released a new ad featuring the voice of Tiger’s late father and a very remorseful looking Tiger. At first watch, I was kind of shocked and confused as to why Tiger would allow such a commercial. I thought his last press conference was fine, he owes the fans and the media no other apologies. This campaign perplexes me.
A few minutes ago, Anthony Kim delivered in a sudden death playoff for his first victory of the season in the Shell Houston Open at the Redstone Golf Club. Vaughn Taylor left himself in a little bit of trouble after having to get up and down from the bunker to force a second playoff hole. Unfortunately he missed seventeen footer to tie Kim, who had a twenty foot birdie putt which he missed and an easy par putt to win the entire thing. A strong day overall, the leader going into today, Bryce Molder fell apart, posting a score of two over and eliminating himself from contention. Molder, who grew up in Augusta, Georgia (you may have heard of a small club called Augusta National) was looking for his first career victory. Now he will have to strive to achieve his first career victory in his hometown, but on the greatest of stages.
In other news (i.e Tiger Watch 2010) Tiger Woods made his first public appearance on a golf course since his last tournament. Tiger played the back nine at Augusta with his old friend Mark O’Meara and about 20 security guards. The practice round was closed to the public, however reporters were able to watch Tiger at the practice range and greens. Despite being away from professional golf for more than a year, Tiger looked sharp, and of course had his swing coach Hank Haney there to do some last minute fine tuning. With only 4 days left until the first round, everyone is wondering what the reaction will be when Tiger takes the first tee. My guess, respectful applause for the disgraced legend.
Today in a live commentary Tiger Woods apologized to family, friends, employees, employers, fellow golfers and his fans for his irresponsible behavior. He once again requested privacy for his wife and children. Tiger emphasized Elin, his wife, is innocent of any domestic violence and that everyone should praise her for her grace throughout this whole matter. She was not in the audience, however his mother was seated in the front row. He is still working on his issues and will be returning to his rehabilitation center afterwards. He said he had no idea when he will be returning to golf. He also said he will be bringing his spiritual beliefs back into his life.
This is all he needs to say, and we at Golf Empire support his desire for privacy and await his return to the game of golf.
Happy 2010 from Golf Empire! As we ring in the new year, let us remember one of the most influential members to the game of golf in the US. His name was Bill Powell and he passed away this last Thursday after 93 amazing years. Powell was one of the first African American golfers and the only to build, own and operate his own course in the United States. He was honored by the PGA tour last year for his resilient spirit and undoubtable influence on the game of golf. A hero to all Americans, Bill Powell will be sorely missed. If you want to read an article on Powell, who’s Clearview Acres is now a national landmark, click here.
As for the rest of the game, a new year means new goals and aspirations for all the golfers on tour. Of course we here at GE will be following everything that goes on, but will try and keep the “Tiger-gate” discussions to a minimum. After all, he is on an unspecified hiatus from golf and who knows when he will return. My personal guess is that Tiger will make a grand reentrance to the game right in time for the first major tournament of the year, The Masters.
Other things to look for this year would be a possible resurgence from Vijay Singh. After a dismal 2009, Vijay will look to put the past behind him and return to his former glory. Phil Mickelson, who also had a subpar 09, will look to gain some momentum from having a little more stability in his life. These titans of the game are far from finished, so look for more stories like these in the coming days and weeks.
Cheers and may your new year be filled with plenty of birdies (and eagles)!
Check out Groupon.com for some great discounts on many types of services including some golf deals. They give you group discounts for services around your area. If enough people sign up, then you get a group discount even though you don’t know anyone in your group. I saw some for golf lessons. Doesn’t hurt to look up your area.
