Written by James Buce
Next weekend one of the greatest sporting events will be held in Augusta, Ga., and every eye will be watching, not for the golf, but for the return of Tiger Woods.
The Masters Tournament will mark the return of the fallen superstar since last November’s infamous car accident that sent Woods and his image into a tailspin, culminating in his indefinite leave from the game of golf.
Early in the morning on Nov. 27, Woods was in a car accident following reports of marital infidelity. Under mounting pressure from a slew of reports, Woods admitted he had cheated on his wife.
Over the last six months, Woods’ image has changed. He was once known as the untouchable golfer; Woods is now known as a sex-addict, and may never recover his reputation.
Sponsors dropped Woods and discontinued his brands because of the events that unfolded. Media outlets had what seemed to be 24-hour coverage of Woods and every rumor that surfaced.
Woods withdrew from the media but coverage of rumors and sightings continued until he announced he would speak to the media in February. There he admitted to cheating on his wife in front his family, the media and America.
Woods was checked into rehab following the press conference admitting to his infidelity. His life will never be the same, which may be a good thing.
The personal nightmare that Woods has endured since November has hopefully opened his eyes and the eyes of America to the fact that decisions have consequences. Woods thought he was above reproach but was proven wrong during this crisis.
Never was there an athlete or individual whose fall from grace was so publicized. With the news always reporting, Woods’ every step was scrutinized.
Woods has seen his personal life fall apart because of his actions. He has seen his professional career put on hold. He has seen his brand nosedive and sponsors drop his image.
Now he must move on.
Woods announced March 16 he would return to play in the Masters, his first tournament since his life was turned upside down.
Following the long layoff, Woods must now try to rebuild his image and change the newly formed opinions America has of him.
There is no question that what Woods did was unethical and his image will never be the same, but he is a professional athlete and must continue playing the sport he helped revive.
Woods is returning to the game he loves with a newly humbled attitude. He has already talked about his play and has promised to clean up his language during play. He knows he is not above the game and that his profession does not make him invincible.
The Masters Tournament will begin Apr. 8, but the media coverage will start Monday, Apr. 5, when Woods will hold his first press conference since his last tournament in November.
Woods is one of three players to have won the Masters at least four times and won his first Masters tournament when he was just 21, during his rookie year.
The Masters is the tournament where Woods feels comfortable, so it is no coincidence this is the tournament he chose as his return.
The tournament next weekend will be interesting because there are so many questions surrounding the return of one player. The game will go on with or without Woods, but the sport has benefited from his play. Hopefully, the new image he is trying to build during play will reflect personal changes in his lifestyle.
