Augusta Dreamin

Can tiger woods win a 15th major? Could he do it at Augusta National? Kent Gray asks those who know best.

- Kent Gray

WHEN TIGER WOODS hobbled out of the Omega Dubai Desert Classic in early February 2017, the end appeared nigh. Hosting his annual charity tournament in the neighboring emirate of Abu Dhabi at the time, Gary Player conceded the former world No.1 faced a “monumental challenge” to be competitive again. It was debatable whether the Black Knight, a nine-time major winner, and champion of physical well-being, was more concerned about the back spasms Woods cited following his withdrawal or the sloppy approaches, yippy chipping and tentative putting that had marked his opening 77 on the Majlis layout at Emirates Golf Club.

Super-coach cum Sky Sports analyst Butch Harmon was even more pessimistic after commentating on Woods’ five over-par Thursday, his worst score in 29 competitive rounds at the European Tour event.

“I’d like to say yes, but it doesn’t seem likely at the moment,” Harmon said of his former charges’ chances of regaining his heyday form after Woods’ scratching was confirmed just minutes before his scheduled second-round tee-time.

“Tiger is 41-years-old, he’s had three back surgeries and four knee surgeries, and the young kids on Tour right now are playing better and better.”

Few who had witnessed Woods’ walk with such a cautious gait and curtail swing after swing with a stiff, ungainly looking finish in Dubai would have been brave enough to offer a counter-argument to Harmon’s assessment.