AUGUSTA, GA. >> Ask any reporter here if this kinder, gentler version of Tiger Woods is the real deal and they can only shrug their shoulders and say, “Who knows?”
On Wednesday afternoon at the par-3 contest — kids and girlfriend Lindsey Vonn in tow — Woods seemed to enjoy himself among the throng of fans hoping to catch a glimpse of the greatest golfer of this generation.
Woods hasn’t played in this traditional Masters event in 11 years, but now that Sam and Charlie are old enough to know what’s what, he embraced the opportunity to have his children caddie for him on a stifling hot and humid afternoon at Augusta National.
Since his ex-wife bashed out the back window of his car with a golf club in 2009, Woods’ journey has been a strange one; filled with injuries, missteps and disappointments that have left him nearly seven years removed from winning his last major.
Woods’ once stellar golf game has abandoned him of late, leaving most here at this year’s first major wondering what to expect when he tees it up at 7:48 a.m. Hawaii time with Sony Open in Hawaii champion Jimmy Walker by his side.
On this day, Woods was paired with golf besties Mark O’Meara and Steve Stricker, who also had a daughter at the scene. Vonn, decked out in a cool lime green, full length chiffon dress, had her arm around Woods’ kids as often as not as they trudged along in the mid-afternoon sauna.
Woods was relaxed, sharing in the banter with family and friends, as easy-going as you will ever seem him on a golf course. That should change in Thursday’s opening round as Woods tries to regain the form that once had him atop the world rankings. He has since descended rapidly to No. 122 and was a 22-1 choice by the oddsmakers at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas to win the 2015 Masters.
At Tuesday’s press conference, Woods answered any and all questions about the state of his game in a thoughtful and insightful manner. Gone were his well rehearsed responses to questions he has heard a thousand times. In their place were lengthy sound bytes reporters and fans alike could appreciate.
Phil Mickelson believes Woods is on the right path. He thinks correcting the short game is much easier than trying to repair a golf swing producing shots that fly all over the place. In his mind, confidence is key around the greens. And if Woods starts hunting the pins, he can fix those yips at a moment’s notice.
Vonn’s influence can’t be overlooked, either. Writers who follow the PGA Tour regularly credit America’s greatest downhill skier with getting Woods to loosen up around the media and have a peek inside Tiger’s world. He has responded in kind at this week’s pinnacle of golf, even letting folks know what music he listens to while warming up around the practice greens.
How that translates on the course is anyone’s guess — especially this monstrous tract that doesn’t forgive poor shot selection or lack of confidence. Most here believe he is returning too soon and it will show as early as the front nine. But for the masses, who will be with him every step of the way on Thursday, they are hoping for the return of the steely eyed wizard, not the nice guy who finishes last.
