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Simon Sparrowhawk

Tiger Woods is back and not a moment too soon for the world of golf.

Never has the return of one golfer been so eagerly anticipated. Little did we know when Tiger Woods won the 2008 US Open that we would not see the World Number One for eight months. And how we have missed him!

Viewing figures are reportedly down 50 per cent in Tiger’s absence and, in all honesty, the game has lost a lot of its appeal. Did anyone capitalise? Nobody has surpassed him for the number one spot, but Padraig Harrington has cashed in. The Irishman collected back to back major championships in the back half of 2008. But can he take that form into 2009?

Missed chance

However, the Irishman is the only leading player to further his reputation in Woods’ absence. Phil Mickleson, Ernie Els and Vijay Singh have all been off the boil, although Sergio Garcia has also benefited. The Spaniard though has often faltered when faced with the might of Woods’ armoury so it will be interesting to see if the fear factor has left the talented Iberian.

The sad truth is that, without Tiger, golf has regressed. Crowds and audiences are down – particularly on the PGA Tour. Sponsors are being driven away by the lack of interest. The future of a number of tournaments is at risk as a result of the recession’s damaging effect on the car industry, which is associated with numerous events. Buick have two of their own – oh and they sponsor Tiger too!

Tiger’s comeback has been treated like the return of the Messiah. The expectations are that Woods will return and, all of a sudden, the problems in the world of golf will be fixed. And in all likelihood, they will.

The problem for golf is, that Tiger Woods is golf. Without him they have no selling point. Why do you think the MLS are so keen to hold onto David Beckham? He is their selling point. Tiger is golf’s selling point.

Chasing history

So, how good will he be? Can he possibly return to immediate success at the WGC Accenture World Match-Play event? With his penchant for drama, he probably will!

However, immediate success is probably not Woods’ major concern. Although he will want to win this week, he has bigger fish to fry. Tiger is chasing history. He is chasing the Golden Bear. He is still four major championships behind Jack Nicklaus and the Tiger will not rest until he has surpassed the Bear.

What do you think? Will Tiger win this week? Will he be the same? Will be continue to make history? Or, could this all be a step too far?