[ad_1]
TIger Woods was definitely not the favorite before the tournament when he played with fellow players Shane Lowry and Andy Ogletree at Augusta National Manila time last night. The honor went to US Open champion Bryson DeChambeau, whose impressive length from the starting tee dominates the field. However, as the defending Masters champion, all eyes were on him. Never mind that the bookies have a dozen names ahead of them and their 35-to-one odds reflect their poor form in recent memory.
The phrase “all eyes” is undoubtedly relative considering that the Masters will take place one weekend in November for the first time in history. With the new coronavirus pandemic wreaking havoc on the calendar, golf’s premier event has been forced to compete with soccer, which is invariably seen as far more attractive to viewers. And with no spectators allowed on the field, players will be shooting silently. While outstanding efforts used to be further accentuated with enthusiastic cheers, they will now be greeted without any responses except those from fellow flightmates.
Woods has been hyped for glowing reactions throughout his historic career, but peace and quiet can still serve him well given his utter lack of competitiveness since he surprised everyone by claiming his 15th major trophy at Augusta National last year. . It’s been good at best, but not good enough and often enough to make it to the first page of the leaderboards. If anything, his Masters prognosis is optimistic; a significant change in priorities, the absence of repetitions and the ravages of time are offset only by your familiarity with the design.
However, don’t say that to Woods. He is still determined to win. And he still believes that he can emerge triumphant in the holiest grail of golf. Last year, the right combination of talent, perseverance and luck propelled him to success. This time, it will take more, much, much more than its fair share just to keep up. Regardless, you will walk the terrain with pride. After all, he is the reigning Masters champion, until he is not.
Anthony L. Cuaycong has been writing Courtside as Business world introduced a Sports section in 1994. He is a consultant in strategic planning, human resources and operations management, corporate communications and business development.
[ad_2]
