No matter where he winds up in the standings after today’s final round at The Masters, Tiger Woods accomplished more than anyone expected this weekend — except maybe himself.
What appeared to be the biggest story of the decade, purely because of its scope, star power and mystery, his infidelity scandal seemed to be what would define Woods for the distant future.
The entire situation was botched so completely by his handlers that it became obvious the story would dominate the headlines of any event he enters this year and possibly beyond.
Now? That’s not so obvious.
The shrewdest thing Woods has done since that fateful Thanksgiving Eve when the entire world was let into his secret life, even if just for a glimpse, was to make The Masters his first tournament.
The relationships he has garnered over the years at Augusta National, along with the club’s no-tolerance policy when it comes to patron conduct, have made these four days a daring performance, but with a safety net.
He’s also played pretty well there a few times.
After striking his tee shot on the first hole down the middle of the fairway, ridding himself of any certain, but well hidden nerves, Tiger the Walking Punchline became Tiger the Golfer, once again.
But instead of the brash, foul-mouthed, overly focused player he was before his downfall, Tiger was a bit humbler.
A bit more self-censored.
A bit more liberal with his smiles.
Some might think that this is not really his personality and that he knows he must repair his image, so the tamer Tiger is his effort to regain fan support.
Well, so be it.
If Tiger thinks that smiling at a young fan is a better idea now than it ever has been, he’s correct.
Though the Augusta fans are more of the neutered variety, as opposed to what Tiger might have seen, heard, felt playing a public course like Bethpage Black in New York, the response to him this week has set the tone.
Whatever was the reaction to Tiger at The Masters would establish the norm for the foreseeable future. Fans have now seen him play three full days with virtually no heckling from the gallery, while putting himself in contention to win his fifth green jacket.
He’s back to being the Tiger they have seen on TV for the past 15 years, not the past 20 weeks.
He has sat in front of the media and answered questions, taken care of business on the course and been more affable with the fans.
He may never go back to standing atop the role model pedestal some had elevated him to, with parents having their moral compass always pointing towards Tiger.
But he also may never again face the ridicule and scrutiny he did while on hiatus.
The road to redemption can be a long one, with many twists and turns and exit ramps along the way. The destination is difficult to reach and with good reason.
Though that journey is certainly not complete, with a few days in Georgia, Tiger is cruising toward that endpoint with a much clearer road map than he had just a few weeks ago.
His trip may be even quicker if he manages to wear the jacket after today’s round.
Green does mean go.
