Augusta without Woods

This would be first time in last 19 years that Woods will not be a part of elite field at the Masters.

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April 2, 2014: Come April 10, and first Major of 2014, is set to tee off at the Augusta National Golf Course. However, the historic course will certainly miss its most celebrated player, Tiger Woods this year. This would be first time in last 19 years that Woods will not be a part of elite field at the Masters.

 

Tiger has played the Masters every year since 1995, when he was a 19-year-old amateur and just the fourth African American competing in the tournament. He has won this tournament four times in his career. He too expressed his disappointment via micro blogging site Twitter.

 

Tiger Woods ?@TigerWoods

“Sad to say I’m missing the Masters. Thanks to the fans for so many kind wishes.” was his message on twitter for the fans and followers.

 

The nonappearance of Woods will certainly have its impact on the Augusta Masters and even other events in coming days.

 

A poll conducted by SportsBusinessDaily.com in 2012 asked TV viewers who they’d rather see when watching a golf tournament. Woods garnered 53% of the vote, Rory grabbed 15% and “everyone’s favorite lefty” Phil grabbed 7%. Woods popularity in last couple of years has risen greater than before.

 

A report on Tiger at CBS Atlanta says that the presence of Tiger Woods in that little city takes things up a notch. More people come into the city than have badges for the tournament anyways, but even more people come in to try and get a practice round badge to just get out on the course and watch Tiger hit it a few times.

 

Tiger wins or not, but he alone captures much of media attention wherever he is. Tiger’s absence poses every reason for the first Masters of the year to lose its luster.

 

 

 

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