The struggling economy just got a little bit easier to stomach for PGA Tour officials.
Why? Tiger Woods is back in full force.
If you missed Tiger's final round charge at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, then that's too bad for you -- it was Tiger at his finest -- but judging by the television ratings not many golf fans weren't tuned in. The tournament earned the highest television ratings since last summer's U.S. Open, not coincidentally the last tournament Tiger won.
There's no denying that it's a whole different viewing experience when Tiger is in contention on Sunday, and yesterday was no exception, as Woods charged back from five strokes behind to beat Sean O'Hair.
What's so great about Tiger is that he turns it on when it counts, even if he hasn't been playing his best. Watching on Saturday, I made the conclusion that Tiger was not playing his best golf. He wasn't holing putts, or sticking enough approach shots close to make birdies. He struggled mightily on the finishing holes Saturday, and needed a lengthy putt to save bogey on 18 and preserve his spot in the final pairing Sunday.
He carried that momentum over to Sunday, conquering the 18th hole with a birdie to break a tie with O'Hair. It was evident how much Tiger relished being in contention yesterday, and it is no coincidence that the best stretch he has played since his return came with a title on the line.
That said, I think we all know that Tiger is ready for Augusta in two weeks.
Speaking of Augusta, last week marked the last chance for players to get into the World top 50 to earn invitations to the Masters, and a familiar face failed to do so. Unless Davis Love III wins this week's Shell Houston Open, he won't be playing at Augusta.
Last week, I mentioned that Stuart Appleby was also in danger of missing the Masters. While the Aussie is currently ranked 54th in the world, he will be playing at Augusta by virtue of his 14th place finish at last year's Masters. Sorry about the mistake.
Another player who earned his spot at the Masters by virtue of playing well in a major last year is world No. 234 and fabled Augusta goat Greg Norman, who finished tied for third in last year's British Open. In the 1996 Masters, Norman shot a final round 78 to squander a six stroke lead. It was a lot of fun watching Norman in contention at last year's Open, and a lot of attention will be focused on him at Augusta.
Here's a list of some players who have earned invitations to this year's Masters.
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