Mr. Woods, Welcome Back. We've Missed You

If one of the golfers participating in the first round of the Northern Trust Open backed away from a putt yesterday, it was understandable.

Despite the serene setting of Pacific Palisades, California, no doubt the field heard the roar that rode a wave all the way from Windermere, Florida. Simply put, the Freddy Krueger of golf - Tiger Woods - announced he was coming back next week to defend his title at the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship.

Woods is the nightmare players see in their sleep. He's a wake up call that they better be working on their game because normal won't cut it when he's on the prowl. Woods is a single entity, a man who shrewdly controls his image. And yet, wherever Tiger goes, it's as if the entourage of the "Can You Hear Me Now" guy is behind him.

When play begins next Wednesday, it will end 254 days of Tiger-less golf. In between that time, the Golf Channel will more than likely give us nearly around the clock Tiger coverage. Coming off re-constructive knee surgery, the golfing world is anxious to see if rust and a new baby have taken their toll.

Tiger's absence has been great for lessor names to sneak into the headlines and grab a share of tournament dollars but there's no question having the world's number one back will be golf's version of an economic stimulus package.

"I think it's awesome," golfer Kenny Perry said. "The economy is down. We need something to boost us up. And there's going to be a gazillion reporters there, so it will be fun to be around. That place (Tucson) is going to come to life."

It will be the shot in the arm the PGA tour has been sorely missing since the excitement of Woods' US Open victory and the joy of a U-S Ryder Cup victory.

Team Tiger is a well oiled machine too. Alex Rodriguez paid hundreds of thousands of dollars for a public relations team that may or may not have earned their money. Woods merely channeled his impending announcement through Mark O'Meara, John Cook and caddie Steve Williams.



Already though, you have to feel sorry for Brendan Jones of Australia. Unless someone withdraws before next Wednesday, he'll be the March Madness version of a 16 seed versus a one. Tall order to face a hungry Tiger that's ready to prove something to the world.

"I think he'll be ready to rock," Perry said. "When he comes back, he's always raring to go. He must be spittin' nails right now. I think he'll be better than ever. He'll probably kick our butts like crazy. Let's face it. People play differently when they're playing him."

Can you hear me now?