Tiger: Time to face the music

Before heading out to the US Masters, Neil Tappin asks what kind of reception awaits world number one Tiger Woods

Tiger Woods

In just over two weeks, Tiger Woods will make his much-awaited return to professional golf. So whilst we all eagerly look forward to the start of the Masters there is a more than juicy sub-plot that will dominate the preamble. Will Woods face up to the media? If he does, how will he handle a grilling in the press centre? What will be the reaction of the Augusta crowd?

In the build up to this year's event, the president of CBS, the host broadcaster for the Masters was reported as saying that Tiger's return would be 'as big as Barack Obama's inauguration.' At first, this statement seems a rather over-zealous attempt at promoting the event but the saga that's lingered at the heart of golf for almost six months now has been one of the biggest celebrity controversies of recent times. Sporting boundaries have been transcended as everyone, regardless of their interest in the game, has an opinion on the world's greatest golfer.

As you may or may not already know, tickets to the Masters are rather hard to come by. Once a fan acquires a gate pass, he or she is elevated to 'patron' status and can attend the tournament every year. There are however, ways of getting tickets and early reports suggest that these are already selling for around £2,000.

As for Tiger himself, you may think he's immune to first tee nerves but even he will be anxious about stepping into the public arena once again. As the spotlight of the world's media inevitably descends to watch the crowds' reaction to that opening blow, nobody at this stage knows quite what to expect. A recent press release sent to Golf Monthly towers from Ladbrokes has Tiger at 5/1 to be booed at the Masters. But before you feel too sorry for the world number one, spare a thought for his unlucky playing partners. That really is the draw that any serious contender will be desperate to avoid.

Neil Tappin
Editor

In July 2023, Neil became just the 9th editor in Golf Monthly's 112-year history. Originally working with the best coaches in the UK to produce instruction content, he has also presented many Golf Monthly videos looking at all areas of the game from Tour player interviews to the rules of golf. 

Throughout his time with the brand he has also covered equipment launches that date back well over a decade. He clearly remembers the launch of the Callaway and Nike square drivers as well as the white TaylorMade driver families, such as the RocketBallz! If you take a look at the Golf Monthly YouTube channel, you'll see his equipment videos dating back over a decade! He has also conducted 'What's In The Bag' interviews with many of the game's best players like Rory McIlroy, Dustin Johnson and Jon Rahm. Over the years, Neil has tested a vast array of products in each category and at drastically different price-points. 

Neil is currently playing: Driver: TaylorMade Stealth Plus Fairway Wood: Titleist TSR2 Hybrid: Titleist TS3 Irons: PING Blueprint S (4&5), PING Blueprint T (6-PW) Wedges: Titleist Vokey SM7 50˚, 54˚, 60˚ Putter: Odyssey Triple Track Ten Ball: Titleist Pro V1X