Friendly reception surprises, encourages embattled golf star
Golf’s most genteel grounds provided a soft landing for Tiger Woods as the troubled superstar returned to the PGA Tour on Monday.
With magnolias, azaleas and stately Georgia pines providing the backdrop on a crystalline spring day, the denizens of Augusta National welcomed Woods warmly and without incident as he prepared for the Masters, his first tournament in nearly five months.
The media — 204 members strong — followed suit, asking Woods pointed questions on his marital infidelity and rumors of drug use, but keeping the tone respectful. In a 34-minute interview session, Woods was relaxed, contrite and engaging. Gone were the awkward moments of previous media appearances Feb. 19 and March 22.
The 14-time major champion said he was “excited” to be back on the tour, resuming his pursuit of Jack Nicklaus’ record of 18 major titles, and moved by the positive reception from fans.
“It blew me away, to be honest with you,” said Woods. “Today was just something that really touched my heart pretty good.”
Woods also said it was “amazing how many hugs” he received from players and apologized to them for the questions they had to endure about him during his absence.
Addressing speculation, fueled by his association with Dr. Anthony Galea, that he used human growth hormone and performance-enhancing drugs, Woods was direct.
“He never gave me HGH or PEDs. I’ve never taken that in my entire life. I’ve never taken any illegal drug, ever, for that matter,” Woods said. “I had PRP, platelet-enriched plasma treatments.”
Woods did reveal for the first time that he had a recurring injury, an Achilles tear in his right leg, which led him to continued PRP therapy from Galea last year.
The best therapy Woods received Monday was walking the fairways of Augusta National with practice partners Fred Couples and Jim Furyk. Woods was uncharacteristically engaged with fans, making eye contact and speaking to many who addressed him.
“We had a lot of laughs,” Couples told the Golf Channel. “He’s excited to be out there. His face is lit up.”
Woods said that his wife, Elin, would not join him at Augusta, but offered little else about the status of their relationship.
The most emotional moment came when Woods talked of missing his son’s first birthday party, while in rehab for undisclosed reasons.
“I vowed I would never miss another one after that,” said Woods. “I can’t go back to where I was. I want to be part of my son’s life and my daughter’s life going forward and I missed his first birthday. That was a very hard day and something I regret and probably will for the rest of my life.”
