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 teleported from 2024 back to 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 on his 26th start at the Masters.
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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.
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Tiger Woods major watch: What did you make of Tiger Woods major campaign at the Masters? Could golf’s biggest draw win another tournament? Why not let me know your thoughts by leaving a comment on X.
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