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The return of Tiger Woods.
It’s the story that is dominating the talk inside of sports bars, beauty shops and around the water coolers at businesses all across the world.
And in the Tri-parish area, it’s no different and everyone is ready to see Woods tee it up tomorrow at the Masters – his first action since his five-month fall from worldwide hero to universal villain.
Most locals say they do not support Woods’ actions, others say they will not ever cheer for him again.
But one thing almost everyone agrees with (whether they are a fan of his or not) is it’s time the best golfer of this generation makes his return to the tour.
“If you make a mistake in life, do you go to work the next day?” said Houma native Colby Landry. “He should be back at work. Golf is his livelihood.”
Landry plays some of his golf at Ellendale Country Club in Houma. He said after Woods’ apology on Feb. 19, there is nothing more he can do to make amends for his mistakes.
Larose native Davy Orgeron with Tidelands Country Club in Galliano agreed and said he is excited to see Woods’ return.
“Personally, he’s not my favorite golfer. I have a few other guys I cheer for before him,” he said. “But he’s definitely great for golf. Even the other pros can tell you that. Without him, you could definitely tell he’s been absent.”
Woods’ turmoil began on Nov. 27 when police reported to his Florida mansion after he drove his vehicle into a tree.
But as the days went by, rumors swirled about Woods’ alleged affairs on his wife, Elin. On December 11, Woods announced an indefinite break from golf and apologized for his “infidelity.”
The No. 1-ranked golfer publicly spoke for the first time on Feb. 19 when he addressed select reporters, friends and family. At the gathering, Woods announced he was in therapy to deal with his issues.
During the 14-minute statement, Woods mostly read from a paper and also apologized to his fans, family, friends, colleagues and sponsors for his poor judgment.
But the context of the apology drew ire from some fans.
Golden Meadow Pierce Pitre said he believes Woods’ words were sincere and is looking forward to his return.
But the Tidelands regular said he wishes Woods would have spoken more from the heart.
“That could have been dealt with better,” he said. “The way the whole process was set up was kind of shady. It just seemed kind of plan the way everything was pre-written.”
Landry agreed and said he believes Woods only apologized because he had to.
“He probably didn’t want to say those things and he probably didn’t want to go to rehab,” he said. “But he did because the people around him advised him to.”
The biggest debate seemingly among locals is not whether Woods should play, but how well he will play.
Woods has not played in a PGA Tour event since the President’s Cup in October.
When he makes his return to Augusta on Thursday, it will be an almost 200-day layoff in action.
For an amateur, that sort of layoff would spell doom, but Houma native Acky Li said Tiger is nowhere near amateur.
“For any one of us, it would be difficult, but for Tiger, I don’t think it will be,” Li said. “He might struggle a little big mentally, but once he gets used to it, he will be fine.”
Pitre added to Li’s thoughts and said people will know after Thursday’s round if Woods can win the tournament.
“I think he will have a pretty good showing if he can get through that first day,” Pitre said. “I think he will be looking at something in the Top 20 at least.”
Orgeron didn’t offer a prediction, but said it will probably take a trip to the winner’s circle for people to pay attention to Woods’ playing and not his infidelities.
“All the eyes are going to be on him,” he said. “The media will have a million questions. He’s going to have to win it for people to get their attention on his golf.”
Win, lose, or draw, most everyone agreed the real winner will be the PGA Tour.
“He’s great for golf,” Li said. “It’s great that he’s back.”
Tiger Woods looks over a putt during the final round of the Masters golf tournament last year at the Augusta National Golf Club. * File Photo / The Associated Press
