Tiger Woods’ Achilles injury was a 𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁er blow for Masters fans.
Regardless of shape or form, the 15-time major winner is always a welcome addition at Augusta National. The 49-year-old’s legendary status is unmatched and has even transcended golf.
Tiger Woods’s absence at the Masters has been noticed (Image: Getty Images)
While playing a cruel April Fool’s joke giving fans false hope, Woods confirmed his injury was in fact still a “mess” and that he wouldn’t be at the Masters this year. Although he did make an appearance of sorts via video to announce a new Par-3 course he’ll be overseeing in Augusta.
It’s meant for a different type of atmosphere this year. Members of Masters security told Mirror US Sports that while crowds are still as busy as ever – with tickets naturally always selling out – there’s an obvious lack of gravitational pull to any one golfer. Wherever Woods went scores of spectators would follow.
But at the driving range this year there were no occasions in which dense crowds meant getting through was impossible or patrons fighting on their tiptoes to get a look at a golfing GOAT. However, one member of security did add that the closest Masters star he’s seen achieve something similar is Scottie Scheffler.
Last year’s winner, and the 2022 champion, is establishing himself as one of the game’s greats. His robotic consistency has conquered the Masters twice and he has triumphed in 13 PGA Tour wins. However, he has yet to win any other major finishing tied second in both the US Open (2022) and PGA Championship (2023).
Scottie Scheffler has his own loyal fanbase ( Image: Getty Images)
But the charming world No. 1 has won in such emphatic style both times at Augusta that he has endeared himself to the Masters crowd. Scheffler spoke to the media on Tuesday and was asked how his mindset works when planning to stay at the top of the world rankings.
“I mean, I really don’t focus a lot of that stuff,” he said. “I focus a lot on the preparation and getting ready to play in tournaments, and then I try to, while I’m playing, have a good attitude and approach the shots the right way. And that’s what I define success as.
“When I think about getting ready for this week, when I step on the first tee on Thursday, I’m going to remind myself that I’ve done what I needed to do to play well, and it’s all about going out and competing now. I really try not to look too much into the past. I try not to look too far into the future. I just like to stay in the present and just go one week at a time.”
It is perhaps the kind of humble reply that has won golf fans over.
