Masters is Ideal Stage for Tiger’s Return

by Spencer Loomis

In 1931, golf legend Bobby Jones fresh off what was considered the Grand Slam at the time ( having won the US and British Opens and Amateur Championships in 1930) purchased a plot of land in Georgia known then as Fruitlands Nursery.   There Jones built his dream course and opened Augusta National Golf Club.   His prowess drew immediate attention to its annual invitational tournament which was first held in 1934.   Jones felt it was too pretentious to call the tournament “The Masters” but his co-owner and business partner Clifford Roberts eventually convinced him and so it has been known since 1938.  Nearly 80 years after Jones bought the land the hallowed grounds of Augusta National continue to echo with the footsteps of legends like Ben Hogan, Arnold Palmer, and Jack Nicklaus.

There is a tremendous level of respect that comes with setting foot on the nation’s most famous stage for such a civil gentlemen’s game.   One passionate and experienced golfer who had the good fortune of playing at the club told me, “Augusta is the epicenter of golf. You are shaking when you play Augusta.”

I recently spoke with Jon Lawrence, Golf Writers Association of America member and co-host of the Denver-based KKFN radio program McGetrick Golf Academy’s In the Fairway with Jerry Walters and Jon Lawrence.  He shared with me about his experiences at Augusta and he told me that although he has not attended the Masters for a few years, “The Master’s and Augusta don’t change much.”

It’s that unchanging attitude for tradition and respect of the game of golf that makes Augusta and The Masters the ideal setting for Tiger’s comeback. “There couldn’t be a better place for Tiger to make his return,” said Lawrence, “The fans at The Masters are self-policing like no other tournament; they have a thorough knowledge of the history and tradition of golf.”

Also, most Masters attendees are on the older end of the golf fan spectrum which makes them less of a threat to act out towards Tiger.   While thorough security measures have always been in place at Augusta just in case, Lawrence says they are so well disguised that you wouldn’t know it unless you were consciously looking for it.

There should be little left to chance this weekend as is the case for any Master’s weekend.   Even the television coverage of the tournament is more closely controlled than other major tournaments.  This level of control is due in large part to the fact that Augusta provides its own officials to oversee the tournament as opposed to employing PGA officials to keep the action running smoothly.   Every aspect of CBS’ coverage of the tournament is micromanaged to a T by Augusta’s officials.   The lakes are dyed blue to look crisper on television (a technique now widely used by other tournaments), sounds of birds can be heard clearly on the course supposedly amplified through hidden speakers,   burgers and sandwiches are sold only in grass green-colored wrappers in case one should blow away so that it will blend in on TV.

Even the language the announcers use in describing the course is closely monitored and scripted so that the prestige of the club is maintained.   There are no huts or houses on the course for example, only cabins: the Butler Cabin is where the green jacket ceremony takes place for example.   Well respected announcer Gary McCord was actually fired from covering The Masters after referring to the 17^th green as appearing “bikini waxed”.   So yeah, Augusta takes this tournament pretty seriously.

Rumor has it that Tiger Woods has hired a staff of 90 security professionals to keep him safe during this weekend’s tournament on top of the escalated level of security the tournament as well as the county sheriffs have in place.   Tiger will have far less to worry about while making his return at Augusta than he would if he were playing at any other club.

As Jon Lawrence explained to me, not much changes at Augusta.   I mean the club didn’t admit its first black member until 1990, and still refuses to admit women.  You can still get a pimiento cheese sandwich for $1.50 at the old school concession stands.   No brands or labels are allowed on the course either; you can drink a “cola” or an unlabeled water bottle but no Aquafinas or Dasanis, period.

Fans still highly value the badges that allow them access to watch this tournament as a patron and generally wouldn’t jeopardize their chance to return to the course by heckling Tiger.   For the rare few who may be considering some action against Woods this weekend (like one of his many alleged mistresses, all of whom are on a watch list for Tiger’s security team) the vast network of security should be more than capable of quelling any attempted plot.

When you combine the history and tradition of Augusta, the knowledge and age of Augusta’s patrons, and the increased security present for this weekend’s tournament the stage is set for Tiger’s perfect return.   I’d like to leave you with a final thought for the start of this weekend’s Masters.   Tiger is not just returning to golf to appease the public and make his sponsors happy.   Make no mistake; Tiger is here to win this weekend.   With his image in the toilet, there is only one important accomplishment left for Woods; to catch and pass Jack Nicklaus for the all time major championships record.   Woods currently sits at 14 major wins, 4 behind the legendary Golden Bear.   With only four chances a year and a career which may have already peaked, Woods won’t waste any opportunity.   Look for the Eye of the Tiger to spot victory come Sunday.