2023 Masters Tournament: Is Tiger Woods still the main attraction for fans?Whenever Tiger plays, which is not often, fans take notice. Colt Knost, calling shots from the ground that day for CBS, said, “I wish I could have been here in 2000.”

But today’s Woods has a different vibe than before. It’s an entirely different Woods.

Similarities aside, it’s still loud. Fans battle for every inch of grass behind the ropes in order to get a clear view. One ambitious man at Riviera even climbed into an empty TV tower and watched from behind a stationary camera as if he were working – unfortunately he got caught talking too much and the beer can in his hand didn’t help either!

Back then, Woods was striving to win all four majors; now he is focused on playing each one. One thing remains unchanged: Woods remains a must-see player in golf.

What sets Woods’ fans apart? A sense of urgency – both for him and them. Fans come to see him knowing their time is running out, both for him and them.

“He’s become a much bigger star now,” Padraig Harrington noted. “When he came back to Valspar in 2018, everyone came out – there was such an energy.” Back then, everyone came out; there was such an electric atmosphere; everyone hit some incredible shots! But now you’re seeing grandkids from junior school right through to grandparents!”

“My grandparents have witnessed some of my past performances and they want to experience the magic,” he said. “Back then, it seemed like it would go on forever – now there’s a feeling this could be my last dance.”

Last year, Woods barely made it onto Augusta National’s dance floor. Just 14 months had passed since his SUV crashed off a suburban Los Angeles road, breaking bones in his right leg and ankle – so much so that amputation was considered.
Tiger Woods hit an ordinary 7-iron that was 30 feet from the hole at Riviera Golf Club, yet no one could have predicted its landing judging by the thunderous roar from fans standing nearby and 175 yards away around the 13th green.