Masters blog day 2 - An open letter to Tiger Woods

Dear Tiger, Please come through this weekend. Rory McIlroy and Jason Day are great golfers. But they haven’t been around long enough. They haven’t experienced enough. They aren’t who the fans want to see with a green jacket come Sunday evening. No, with Phil Mickelson seemingly too far back for a realistic chance to win, it’s you that is going to have to impose the will you once had in order to frighten these kids off and reclaim your rightful spot. When you were a young one, just like McIlroy and Day, you made people take notice. It wasn’t just good golf. It was greatest golf anyone has ever seen. That’s what these kids don’t get. They’ve grown up much like you did. But aside from their pleasantness and their ability, no one knows much about them. And really, no one wants to just yet. When Jack Nicklaus won 25 years ago, you were watching. You knew what it was all about. The throne wouldn’t be filled again until you came along. And now, with the entire world watching, it’s yours to take again. While Jack was unflappable, and while The Golden Bear seemingly never made a mistake, this is 2011. This is a new age where everyone knows everything about everyone. You’re more human. You’ve made mistakes. Maybe Jack did, too. Maybe because there wasn’t a camera following his every step and computers and all the technology that allows access to everything, he was able to get away with those mistakes without anyone knowing. But Tiger, take a look. The throne is still empty. Phil had a chance at it. Couldn’t fill it. You’re the only guy that can properly fit, and you’ve still got plenty of years left. Won’t you please return to your rightful spot? Please come back, Tiger. Please? Sincerely, Golf.