The Masters Goes on without Tiger Woods

Contrary to popular belief the 2014 Masters Tournament will be played at Augusta National Golf Club even though pre-tournament favorite and world # 1 golfer Tiger Woods isn’t in attendance. Woods was forced to withdraw from this year’s event after undergoing surgery for a bulging disc in his back. Three time Masters Champion Phil Mickelson said “It’s a weird feeling not having him here…It makes it special when you win and he’s in the field.” Mickelson went on to say “I hope he’s back for the other majors. As much as I want to win, and I know how great he is and tough to beat, it also makes it special when he’s in the field and you’re able to win.” Surely Woods absence will be felt at the 2014 Masters but it won’t stop the show.

Tiger Woods isn’t the only thing missing at the 2014 Masters Tournament. The infamous Eisenhower Tree on located some 200 yards down the 17^th hole at Augusta National was damaged during a severe ice storm earlier this year and was unable to be saved. The large loblolly pine has been moved off the property but its lore and legend still exists. Named for President Eisenhower, the pine tree caused him and other players at Augusta National quite a bit of distress and frustration for decades as drove the ball off of the 17^th tee. In fact Tiger Woods injured himself playing off the pine straw under the tree in 2011.

As I walked the grounds on Augusta National I couldn’t help but feel the excitement in the air. Large crowds packed the grounds today taking in the breathtaking beauty of games crown jewel. Galleries line almost every fairway scrambling to catch a glimpse of their favorite players. Patrons feverishly scurry around the grounds carrying bags filled with Masters Memorabilia taking in every experience, sight and sound that Augusta National has to offer. In true Masters tradition concessions are remarkably affordable. Sandwiches are $4.00 and beer is only $3.00. However a trip to the Masters Gift Shop will set the average patron back a pretty penny. But for most patrons a trip to Augusta National is a once in a lifetime experience and having a token of such a special trip has to include a shirt, hat, and a Masters flag.

The biggest impact of Tiger Woods absence this year is that the field is wide open and there are several players that can claim a green jacket this year. Sergio Garcia and Matt Kuchar are both coming off of top-5 finishes heading into the 2014 Masters. Maybe both Garcia and Kuchar can claim their first career major this year. Other key players are 3-time champion Phil Mickelson, Jason Dufner, Rory McIlory, Justin Rose,lee Westwwood and Brandt Snedeker, and defending champion Adam Scott.

Regardless of who wins this years the Tiger-Less Masters it will be a special tournament with a very deserving winner. The Masters might start play tomorrow morning with the ceremonial first tee shots off the # 1 tee, but we all know the Masters truly doesn’t begin until the back nine on Sunday.

(Cover Photo Credit)