Even at the Masters’ tightly-controlled environment, Tiger Woods’ return to golf next month will create a circus atmosphere unlike anything he has faced before.
The scrutiny and heckling at the Masters could reach new levels although the 14-time major winner Woods hopes that is not the case.
“I am a little nervous about that to be honest with you,” Woods said of his highly-anticipated return. “It would be nice to hear a couple of claps here and there. But I also hope they clap for birdies.”
In his first on-camera interview on Sunday with the US media, Woods reiterated that he would return for the Masters on April 8 where he will be shielded by the most secure environment in golf.
It has also been one of his most successful events as his 10 top ten finishes in 10 Masters are the most of any of the four major tournaments.
Woods said he doesn’t know when he will return to a full schedule.
‘I have to become a better person’
“Just because I am playing doesn’t mean I am going to stop going to treatment,” he said. “As far as my schedule I don’t know what I am going to do. Last year I didn’t know because of my knee. This
year with all the things that I have done I don’t know what I am going to do in the future.
“That to me is a little bit bothersome. Not knowing what to do but I know I have to become a better person.”
Golfer Steve Stricker said the pressure of playing in a Masters is enough without the added baggage Woods brings to this one.
“We have all put him up on such a pedestal, not only in the golf, but we took for granted the personal side, too,” Stricker said. “We’ll have to wait and see what the golf brings when he comes back.
“He’s a strong-minded person and it will I’m sure test him to the limits this time.”
South African Retief Goosen said the other players would support Woods.
“What happened was something that happened off the golf course; not on the golf course,” Goosen said. “If it was a cheating situation on the golf course or something like that, the players would look at you different.” – AFP