Tiger Woods' Crossroads

By announcing he's playing in the 2010 Masters, Tiger Woods has arrived at a crossroads. The first part of his storied career is now history; the rest of his career yet to unfold. The first part of his career was characterized by a sharp and unflinching focus on history and his quest to exceed Jack Nicklaus' record of 18 wins in major championships. Until the the events of last Thanksgiving night, very few questioned Woods' ability to surpass that lofty mark. But, this is another time and another Tiger Woods.

It is very hard to play good golf during times of personal turmoil. I speak from personal experience. When a man like Woods, one who is used to controlling his environment even better than he controls the golf ball with his driver, is suddenly put under intense scrutiny, it is very unlikely to help the ball into the hole in fewer strokes.

Woods chose the Masters for good reason. If there's any event that can help him keep the lid on the press and the gallery, it's Augusta National and guys with names like Hootie. Woods knows he can't sneak back into the game. The best he can hope is to make the place of his return be among friends.

There's an even more interesting angle to the story.

Of late, lots of players and pundits have spoken of Woods' vanishing aura and the demise of his mystique. Colin Montgomerie, a man who is no stranger to off course strife said, "The mystique has gone. The mysterious nature of the guy has gone. He is suddenly more normal now." I agree with Monty: I believe Woods' virtual shields have been damaged forever.

But, here's something to consider: What if Woods wins the Masters? What if, at the very moment of his greatest vulnerability, after being driven into hiding and becoming the butt of thousands of jokes, Woods proves to the rest of the tour that it's still just a fight for second place?

If that were to happen, and I would bet (though not much) it won't, the rest of Woods' career would bear a striking resemblance to the first part. Woods would have taken the ultimate shot and bounced back to remind the tour's pretenders of their proper place. He would speak of his renewed faith, of a rebirth and dedication to the game and how he had to endure his fall to gain the humility he needed to attain the crowing achievements of his career.

Remember: We're talking about Tiger Woods...