Opinion & Analysis
Tiger confirms he will play in the 2015 Masters
After rampant speculation and embarrassingly heavy reporting on the whereabouts of Tiger Woods (and his private jet), the golfer announced his intention to play the 2015 Masters in the most straightforward way possible: 10 words on his Twitter account.
I’M PLAYING IN THE MASTERS. THANKS FOR ALL THE SUPPORT. HTTP://T.CO/SYIH4ESXUA
— TIGER WOODS (@TIGERWOODS) APRIL 3, 2015
If you’ve consumed any golf media at all these last two years, you’re well aware that Tiger has been playing by far the worst golf of his career. And because of all the injuries he’s suffered since the fall of 2013, the “Tiger is coming back” story has been written more than enough times.
Let’s take a different approach.
Tiger said he’s “worked hard on his game” and is “looking forward to competing” — I’m sure he has and I’m sure he is. But all that can reasonably be hoped for is that Tiger is actually healthy, and that he’s sured up his sloppy short game.
Maybe he can make the cut without a wince of pain? Wouldn’t that be an accomplishment for a golfer who hasn’t completed a competitive round of golf since Feb. 2, and hasn’t shot under par in a professional event since Dec. 8, 2014?
Of course, it will be hard not to root for Tiger to do what seems impossible and slip on his fifth Green Jacket — if for no other reason than to return to the time when we used to write about the 39-year-old’s greatness.
If Tiger falls on his face at Augusta National, maybe we won’t be shocked by it this time? After all, I heard he shot 74 in his practice round on Tuesday. That’s important, right?
This past Monday, I played in the U.S. Amateur local qualifier at Rock Creek Country Club in Portland, Oregon. A full tee sheet from 7:30 a.m. to 1:55 p.m., the top 11 scores would make it to the U.S. Amateur final qualifying.
I teed off at 10:48 a.m.. With the 7:30 am tee time, you can get a feel for the leaders’ pace, and they were off and running on the challenging setup at Rock Creek.
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Getting to the highlight of the round on the par five 17th, a drive up the left side and 212 yards left to the front hole location. I took out a 5-iron with plans of middle of the green. The ball ended up 8 feet left of the hole, pin high. A slight downhill putt dropped in for an eagle 3 on the 17th. With the cut line looking to be anywhere from -2 to even par. This was the boost I had been waiting for all day.
With making par from the trees on 18, it was time to wait for a potential playoff with a posted score of one under par 71.
Three hours later, it was playoff time. 8 players for 6 spots. I made par on the playoff hole, which was good enough to advance to the U.S. Amateur final qualifying in July. USGA qualifiers sure deliver on all of the emotions in golf!
Club Junkie
Building my 2026 gamer WITB: Ranking the contenders and new putter projects – Club Junkie Podcast
The annual What’s In The Bag build is underway, and on this episode of Club Junkie, Brian breaks down the clubs currently leading the race for a spot in his 2026 gamer setup. From drivers and fairway woods to irons, wedges, and shafts, he ranks the equipment that’s performing best and explains what’s separating the front runners from the rest of the field.
Brian also heads into the workshop to discuss several putter projects currently on the bench. From head options and shaft choices to build ideas and testing plans, he shares what he’s working on and which putters could become serious contenders for the bag this season.
If you’re a gear junkie who loves equipment testing, club building, and the never-ending pursuit of the perfect setup, this episode is for you.
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Club Junkie
Tour Edge Exotics mini driver review + TaylorMade Spider ZT Max first look – Club Junkie
On this episode of Club Junkie, I put the new Tour Edge Exotics Mini Driver to the test and break down the performance, forgiveness, distance, and where it fits compared to a traditional driver or strong fairway wood. If you have been curious about adding a mini driver to the bag, this one is worth a look.
I also dive into the new TaylorMade Spider ZT Max putter that was recently spotted and discuss the growing zero torque putter trend. Plus, there is a closer look at the new Project X Titan Yellow shaft showing up on the PGA Tour and what makes it different from other profiles currently out there.
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RG
Apr 6, 2015 at 7:35 pm
First off I think the game is better with Tiger in it. Love him or hate him he’s done things no one here can even understand, like winning a US Open by 15 shots. BUT
When I saw Tiger up close I saw fear in his eyes when he was chipping, said so on this site. I live in Orlando and have watched Tiger many times thru the years ( Bay Hill, Disney, Tavistock) and his body language and demeanor have changed. Swing mechanics, glutes firing, whatever, the dude is different in his eyes. Laugh, make jokes, but when Tiger used to hit chips/ pitches he would lock on grab a club look once maybe twice fire and stick it, like a frickin machine, Now he looks back and forth, goes back and forth over club, takes five practice swings and CHUNK.
Prediction: If he conquers THE FEAR and hits some good short shots ( I don’t care what he does off the tee or from the fairway) He will rebuild and regain his form.
If THE FEAR gets him and he chunks or blades or flubs some chips/pitches he will WD claim some physical issue and he will retire from competitive golf.
bwoody01
Apr 6, 2015 at 3:21 pm
Loved, hated, but never ignored. When you’ve hit rock bottom in your career, there is only one place to go. Tiger knows this, the Fans know this, and all the haters know it as well. Here’s to wishing Tiger Woods a great return to the game. The Master’s needs him, the golf industry (that is on decline) needs him, and the love of the game needs him. I am looking forward to seeing him tee it up regardless of the outcomes.
Steve H
Apr 6, 2015 at 8:44 am
Tiger would have finished last in the Girls 7-9 chipping contest yesterday!
Justin S.
Apr 6, 2015 at 7:26 am
When he says playing, does he mean hitting his first tee shot then walking away like Arnie and Jack?
don davis
Apr 4, 2015 at 2:07 pm
He had to play. The biggest name in the game will bring an giant buzz to the Masters. Lovers and haters cannot wait. You got to admit the guy can really ramp up the interest in the sport. Does anyone think that the pressure may get to him? Deep down we all know that sports needs stars and Tiger is a star.
Mlegolf
Apr 5, 2015 at 3:40 pm
Yes sports needs stars, wake up it’s the masters and the field will be strong, full of them. Some will shine much more by their game rather than their off course so called social life.
But because the society is avid of voyeurism, we’ll hear more about him rather than them.
Sad for the other players, sad for the game.
Gubment Cheez
Apr 4, 2015 at 1:34 pm
Oh he’s gonna play
And by God
He’s gonna win
Curt
Apr 4, 2015 at 11:14 am
All the Tiger haters on this site are hilarious, while Tiger is laughing all the way to the bank!!!
Know dat!!!
Forsbrand
Apr 5, 2015 at 3:40 am
I don’t think they’re tiger haters they just don’t appreciate tiger. The great thing about tiger being in the field at the Masters is whoever wins can say they’ve beaten the very best, it will add more merit to a victory. I hope a Tiger lasts the weekend, should be interesting.
CatFoodFace
Apr 4, 2015 at 10:29 am
Two letters: MC
Rob
Apr 4, 2015 at 2:45 pm
WD
JB
Apr 4, 2015 at 7:08 pm
Two words: You’re pathetic
Whether it’s this tournament, the next, or next season. Tiger will win again and he will do so laughing at all of you haters…
Jonny B
Apr 6, 2015 at 10:29 am
That was actually a lot more than two words.
mike
Apr 4, 2015 at 10:19 am
Tiger will finish in the top 10 if he shows up with his gaggle of girls
mlecuni
Apr 4, 2015 at 10:17 am
Go Tiger !
It will be hard and may be not for this time but keep grinding.
Stay patient because at the end Victory is waiting for you !
Be the greatest
The dude
Apr 4, 2015 at 8:21 am
Q the Bizhub Konica Minolta swing vision Peter
The dude
Apr 4, 2015 at 8:18 am
He also confirmed he will only play Thursday and Friday
Rich
Apr 4, 2015 at 8:00 am
Oh well, you can’t have everything in life you want………..
Forsbrand
Apr 4, 2015 at 3:09 am
So glad Tiger is back
Kyle
Apr 3, 2015 at 10:06 pm
Zac, Haney tweeted leading to Augusta in 2010 he played 2 practice rounds and didn’t break 80 and finished 4th. I think 74 is a pretty good start
Booger
Apr 3, 2015 at 9:24 pm
Dead last again just like Phoenix.
matt
Apr 4, 2015 at 8:07 pm
he was not dead last sorry bud
barak
Apr 3, 2015 at 7:37 pm
Zak:
Please sign up for a basic writing class soon. Also, I’m not sure who’s son you are but please convince whoever is paying the bills for this operation that you need a new website design ASAP. The “legit..flop..shank” rating thing is stupid. The website used to be half decent but has become convoluted, unfocused and lacking in consistently good content.
Barak
devilsadvocate
Apr 3, 2015 at 9:39 pm
I think this site is great… Your comment however deserves a rating of shank… Maybe even whiff … Keep your opinions to yourself Mr President
Find another site
Apr 3, 2015 at 9:55 pm
Comment, Flop….
jim
Apr 3, 2015 at 5:18 pm
go tiger I am still a fan
Chuck
Apr 3, 2015 at 4:48 pm
Such a relief to know that Nike’s planed Thursday-Friday-Saturday-Sunday ensembles for Tiger Woods won’t go to waste. Well, at least not Thursday and Friday.
http://ftw.usatoday.com/2015/03/tiger-woods-masters-will-he-play-nike-clothing-wont-wear
Mark
Apr 3, 2015 at 4:46 pm
I think he’s doing the right thing. His first chip shot will be the most scrutinized shot in golf history. This will be interesting to watch.