Augusta haven perfect for Tiger

BY RICHARD HINDS

OPINION: That a troubled African American should seek safe haven at Augusta National, not renowned for its robust contribution to race relations, is somewhat ironic.

However, perhaps the more pertinent aspect of the famed golf club's controversial membership policy to Tiger Woods' impending comeback is its failure to embrace a single female. Thus, on the Sunday before the Masters when Augusta National's gentlemen members tee up alongside practicing superstars, the possible temptation for a recovering sexaholic will be diminished somewhat.

Of course, Woods' predictable decision to return at the Masters has little to do with who he will encounter inside the ropes. It is predicated upon the relatively peaceful sanctuary a tournament run with oh-so-polite, yet relentlessly firm authority by the club's green-blazered officials will provide.

At Augusta, the ''patrons'' - never fans - are not even permitted to run between fairways, much less heckle. So Woods' first tee shot in anger on April 9 (NZ time) will, almost certainly, be accompanied by polite applause - given America's great love of the comeback story.

Masters organisers have always kept tight control on the manner in which the tournament is reported.

The warm embrace of those privileged to be granted to a press pass - and that will not include internet gossip writers or tabloid television reporters - has helped soften criticism of the club's somewhat chequered history.

At another tournament, it would be long odds the first question posed of Woods was about his backswing or a minor alteration to the sixth fairway. At Augusta, there is every chance if someone asks Woods if he scored, the inquisitor will be wondering if he counted his practice-round strokes.

If Augusta was the obvious choice of venue, the great unknown is how greatly Woods' game will have been affected by what will be an almost six-month break since his victory at the Australian Masters.

At his best, the man made a habit of turning golf tournaments into clinics. Have the clinics Woods attended in Mississippi (sexual addiction) and Arizona (marriage counselling) turned him back into the man he once was?

The question is valid because Woods' persona and athletic achievements have always gone hand in golf glove. The same air of detached authority he said led him to believe ''I deserved to enjoy the temptations'' that came with success was a significant part of his vast on-course armoury. Woods felt entitled to birdies both on and off the links.

If that air of superiority has been reduced by his very public humiliation, then surely the psychological advantage Woods had established over his rivals will also dwindle.

Opportunistic bookmakers were quick to make Woods a $5 favourite to win a fifth Masters title. That only Ben Hogan (in 1951 and 1953) has won the Masters after making it his first tournament of the year is no impediment to Woods' favouritism.

Should Woods return triumphant? The damage his reputation has suffered with females, particularly, means he would not be the most popular winner.

But, in a perverse way, the obstacles he will have overcome will make him the most impressive.

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