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AUGUSTA, Georgia – Joe LaCava, the youngest of Tiger Woods, was sitting near the Augusta National landing gear putting green green at the end of a long, hot day at sun, waiting for his employer to be ready to work overtime. Dressed in white Masters, the youngest spoke of his beloved soccer giants before he took advantage of his man's chances of winning a fifth green jacket.
"I think it could have been something in the '60s," LaCava said of Woods's two under-70 players on Thursday. "In terms of throws, it was probably a 68 or a 69. But we will take 70."
Yes, Tiger had good reason to go out of the tournament at Augusta National. He pulled that score in the first few rounds of his Masters wins in 1997, 2000 and 2001, before defeating a 74 to win in 2005.
"I shot this number and won four coats," he said falsely, "so I hope I can do it again."
Woods could be forgiven for his forgetfulness in memory. He is 43 years old after all, a fact regularly hit home by a hair that keeps running away. But even though his comments to the media were made while he was only a punch of the afternoon rhythm – and before Brooks Koepka and Bryson DeChambeau finished with a leadership spot, thanks to under 66s – Woods had gained self-confidence.
After a slow start to the game on Thursday, Tiger Woods had a good nine in withdrawal as he shot a 70 under par in the first round of the Masters.
Tiger Woods started his 22nd Masters on Thursday morning, just two years after he thought he was done with competitive golf.
Here is the list of starts for the second round of the Masters.
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Woods has almost won two consecutive tournaments last year. He did not win the Open or the PGA Championship, but he ended his general drought five years and over without a win last fall at the Tour Championship, where he said he proved himself – with the career win # 80 – that he had rediscovered how to win a great golf tournament.
Of course, nothing is bigger in this sport than the Masters, and it's been 14 years since Tiger enthusiastically slipped into one of these coats. But he must always be taken seriously as a credible threat to the standings for Koepka, DeChambeau, Phil Mickelson and the others.
"It sways well," LaCava said. "He drives very well, his ironwork is very good and he works very hard on his little game." It's getting ready, so he's definitely going in the right direction.
"There will be a lot of scores above 70 so I do not go crazy on the first day, but it's good to start with something less good."
In fact, Thursday marked the first time Woods had crossed the threshold of the average in the first round of the Masters since 2013. His last nine rounds of opening in the major leagues included two au pairs and seven north of the par. When Tiger hit the 14th hole at Augusta National, he jumped to 3 cents after his 14 opening holes for the first time in his 22 Masters appearances, according to research by ESPN Stats & Information.
On that 14th hole, Woods made a mistake by hitting a majestic shot over the trees and the putting green.
"I've seen it shoot a million times," said LaCava, "but you still have to get by. Under the circumstances, it was a terrible blow."
Wearing a faux turtleneck borrowed from his dynastic style – this one a sharp navy blue – Old Woods looked like old wood when he drained the long putt and fisted his right fist in the air.
"I feel very good," said Woods. "I have the impression of having played well [Thursday] and I controlled my golf ball all day. "
He missed the short putts at # 5 and # 6. He dropped his iron after a whimsical approach at # 7. Woods spoiled a birdie opportunity on the 15th and he was unable to recover from 39, another tee shot in the trees in the 17th. But his moments of frustration did not define the round. Woods smugly played bunkers and he seemed to stay in it all the way around.
"It's not a bad start," he said.
Not even close. And now, Tiger must do what he could not do at the PGA Championship last summer: face Brooks Koepka, already a big winner three times.
The young and old slugger shared a little time together Wednesday night at the Golf Writers Association of America's awards dinner. Koepka won the Ben Hogan Player of the Year award and was awarded to Woods for his return from fusion surgery and debilitating back pain. Koepka received his prize first and, as usual for the player of the year, he was treated to a video montage of his brilliant season. Woods then received his award and, as usual for the Ben Hogan Award winner, was introduced to the public by an oral presentation (hosted by Bob Harig of ESPN).
"How come I did not have a video?" Woods immediately declared on the podium, drawing laughter from the crowd. "I have Bob Harig."
Woods joked, but his humor is almost always inspired by sincere feelings. Coming out of the banquet hall, Woods complained again to Harig (jokingly) not to be celebrated with a video tribute to the Koepka.
Truthfully, Woods delivered a heartfelt speech about his injuries, about the fact that he could not "participate in life" and play with his children two years ago, and about how he thought that his career was over. He thanked golf editors gathered for promoting the game and for coming back with positive comments.
"I can not thank you enough," said Tiger.
Some people in the audience were stunned; they had never heard Woods speak with such an endearing tone, especially about the media. But time and circumstances conspired to change the man, for the better, making him easier to defend than he was in the past. Now, he finds himself on the confines of contention Masters with 54 holes to play, behind big names with big games. Is a Woods win still plausible?
"My tiger could be 75 years old," PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan told ESPN recently, "and if he's running for a tournament, I'd say he's got a chance to win."
Woods was certainly introduced to a tournament on Thursday, something that he thought would never be possible again. He overcame something much more discouraging than a four-stroke master deficit. Do not count it yet.
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