Braun: Since his miraculous performance at the U.S. Open last June, golf fans have been anticipating the return of the world’s greatest golfer, Tiger Woods.
I hate to break it to you, but that miracle last summer won’t be repeated this weekend when Tiger hits the links at the Accenture Match Play tournament.
The world’s No. 1 player will face off against No. 64 Brendan Jones, who has never won a PGA event. Yes, Woods will probably win in blowout fashion, but will it really mean he’s back for good? Let’s just say Tiger will need a bit more practice to roar like he did in the U.S. Open.
Tiger did the right thing by coming back for a match play event. Instead of having to face an entire field, he’ll be up against one person each round and can really take a lot of chances with his shots against a player like Jones in the first round.
If you were to say Tiger isn’t going to dominate at least his first opponent this weekend, then you’re probably a bit misinformed about who’s playing. But don’t let his imminent destruction of Jones be a precursor for the rest of his year.
When Woods wins his matches this weekend, it will mean one thing — he’s back in the mix, and he’s ready to compete again. What it doesn’t mean, however, is that he’ll come back in top form.
The field already plays behind Tiger, but no matter what sport you play, a torn ACL and a stress fracture in the same knee — especially the one he uses to get most of the power in his swing — causes a bit of worry. Simply put, he’ll recover, but just not yet.
Solochek: Tiger Woods will finally make his return to the PGA Tour this week at the Accenture Match Play after eight months rehabbing his knee and being home with the kids.
The question now remains: Can Tiger only add the legacy he has built to himself, especially after winning the PGA Championship on one leg and basically blowing away the competition last year?
The answer is, obviously, yes. Starting this weekend, Woods will come out strong at the Match Play tournament and reestablish his dominance on the Tour. Phil, Vijay and the rest of the guys had their chance to shine, but now that the best golfer in the world is back, there is no doubt he will reaffirm his dominance on the links.
With all the rest he has had, not only will he dominate the Accenture Match Play tournament this weekend, but he will be able to get a strong start on the rest of the PGA season. With the Masters just a few months away, you know Tiger will want to be at 100 percent to win his fourth green jacket and his 15th major.
Not only will Woods come back on a strong foot, but golf needs him to continue his domination, especially in major tournaments. Without him, golf will lose the ratings and the popularity it has been able to build up with Woods succeeding at such a high level on the tour.
After this weekend, there will no longer be a competition for first place. Instead, the field will only play to be runners-up to Tiger Woods.
