Tiger vs. Time at The Masters (PGA)
For such a crucial event, The Masters is a tranquil thing to behold. While you know every golfer in the field is grappling with pressure, it’s hard not to be lulled by the serenity of the landscape while those commentators croon their way into your living room.
Golf has never been synonymous with swift surprises—like a buzzer-beating jump shot or a walk-off homer in the ninth—but rather slow lead changes, taking days to gestate. After one round of play, it looks like this year’s Masters will deliver the kind of familiarity we’re all used to, but never seem to tire of.
For the third straight time, Justin Rose was at the top after 18 holes yesterday, but currently Trevor Immelman is holding the lead after shooting another 68, putting him eight under. And Tiger? Well, Tiger is where Tiger always seems to be.
He’s lurking, biding his time.
The expectations people have of Tiger pale in comparison to the ones Tiger holds of himself, but no matter how you look at it, Tiger had an uncharacteristically rough go of it yesterday. He even looked eerily mortal at one point, shooting two over par through 14 holes without a single birdie. It wasn’t long before Tiger’s mediocrity gave way to criticism, as is the case when your name is Tiger Woods.
Tiger’s critics, like Tiger’s career, are lacking in moderation. Critics are quick to point out that Tiger hasn’t made a birdie in his last 34 holes at Augusta National, that yesterday he was “unable” to make rudimentary shots. Now people are beginning to wonder if Augusta has been “Tiger-proofed.”
That’s a bit much. Tiger is usually quiet when he isn’t wearing red.
To be fair to the rest of the field, Tiger’s absence from serious contention allowed others to enjoy the spotlight yesterday.
Ian Poulter became the 11th man in history make a hole-in-one on the 16th at The Masters, where people have made the most aces than any other hole on the course. “Don’t get me wrong, I really respect every professional golfer, but I know I haven’t played to my full potential,” said Poulter. “When that happens, it will be just me and Tiger.”
Yikes. That’s a tall order. But you’ve got to admire his moxy.
Phil Mickelson also had some favorable bounces, leaving him four under yesterday. As I write this column, Mickelson is three under through 11.
As for Tiger, he should be teeing off right about now. If he continues his “rope-a-dope” approach to Augusta, I wouldn’t be surprised if Tiger makes the rest of the field sweat by the time he wraps up the back nine. Golf is a waiting game. Patience is a virtue in Augusta, and Tiger has proved time is on his side.
Time and time again.
–Joey Alfino, RED Editorial Staff.

