There is still nothing like watching Tiger Woods at a major
It will probably never matter what shape his game is in – the 15-time big four winner will always be the big draw
In the eyes of this hacker, it was the impossible shot. Short-sided, just inside the bunker, with the Sunday pin on 16 so close it looked like it could touch the sand.
I really should know better. Tiger Woods hit the quartz with a thud, the ball sailed over the top of the flagstick, bumped the backstop and then started trickling.
Slowly, deliciously, with its architect pointing Pied Piper-style towards the direction of travel, it came to a rest inches from the hole.
The crescendo of the crowd gave way to a groan. Had it dropped, we could have been back in 2005.
Fast forward to 18. Woods walked off the green to a cacophony of cheers and adulation ringing in his ears. The man was 16-over-par.
Tiger Woods major watch: Roll on Valhalla?
Who cares? Respect must be paid. Love freely given. While media types like myself debate his future, argue over whether he’ll ever be able to play four rounds to the standard he wants again, and project forward to the day he hangs up his clubs, that matters nought to those in the galleries.
It’s when you see the reaction of patrons – the paying public – to Woods that you remind yourself how much he remains a key figure in the game.
Jack and Arnie passed their peak with devotion and warm applause. But no one was stacking five or six rows deep to catch a glimpse after a 77 followed an 82.
There is an energy about following Woods on the golf course – a storyline whether he’s making a record 24th consecutive cut or the worst score of his Masters career.
There is still nothing like watching Tiger at a major. Roll on Valhalla.
Now have your say
Tiger Woods major watch: What did you make of Tiger Woods at the Masters? Could golf’s biggest draw win another tournament? Why not let me know your thoughts by leaving a comment on X.
Steve Carroll
A journalist for 25 years, Steve has been immersed in club golf for almost as long. A former club captain, he has passed the Level 3 Rules of Golf exam with distinction having attended the R&A's prestigious Tournament Administrators and Referees Seminar.
Steve has officiated at a host of high-profile tournaments, including Open Regional Qualifying, PGA Fourball Championship, English Men's Senior Amateur, and the North of England Amateur Championship. In 2023, he made his international debut as part of the team that refereed England vs Switzerland U16 girls.
A part of NCG's Top 100s panel, Steve has a particular love of links golf and is frantically trying to restore his single-figure handicap. He currently floats at around 11.
Steve plays at Close House, in Newcastle, and York GC, where he is a member of the club's matches and competitions committee and referees the annual 36-hole scratch York Rose Bowl.
Having studied history at Newcastle University, he became a journalist having passed his NTCJ exams at Darlington College of Technology.
What's in Steve's bag: TaylorMade Stealth 2 driver, 3-wood, and hybrids; TaylorMade Stealth 2 irons; TaylorMade Hi-Toe, Ping ChipR, Sik Putter.
