published: Jan 21, 2025

There is still nothing like watching Tiger Woods at a major

Steve Carroll

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 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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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.

Now have your say

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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About the author

Steve Carroll

A journalist for more than 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’d like to tell you he floats around 10. The reality is more like 13.

Steve plays at Sandburn Hall, in York, and is a country member at Close House in Newcastle. He has served on various club committees during his time in the game, and is the current Rules Secretary at Sandburn.

Having studied history at Newcastle University, he became a journalist having passed his NCTJ exams at Darlington College of Technology. He began his career working on weekly papers in Newcastle, before joining the York Press in 2001. After five years as a news reporter, he joined the sports desk – specialising in horse racing and snooker – and was Digital Sports Editor when he joined National Club Golfer in 2016.

What’s in Steve’s bag: TaylorMade Stealth 2 driver, 3-wood, and hybrids; Caley 01T irons 4-PW; TaylorMade Hi-Toe wedges, Odyssey 2Ball Microhinge putter.

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