While I have predicted in past blogs that Tiger Woods would return for one event prior to the Masters, that was under the assumption his marriage was beyond repair. Well, now that it seems he's being given a shot at redemption by Elin, I have changed my outlook. Jack Nicklaus said he believes Woods will return for the Masters. Well, I'm not buying it.
Even if it's agonizingly difficult for Woods to skip his first Masters since 1994 -- and who really knows how important golf is to him right now -- Woods will not return before the Masters to show Elin and everyone else how serious he is about repairing his marriage and turning his personal life around. Skipping the Masters at beloved Augusta National will show Elin, the golf world and the public that he's serious about his rehabilitation and dedication to his family. Or it will at least give that impression.
Woods is reportedly getting back into a regular regimen of hitting balls and exercising, but I don't think it's for the Masters. In my opinion, Woods will likely prove his point then return in time to play an event in preparation for the U.S. Open at Pebble Beach. Between Pebble Beach and St. Andrews in July, he could be within three major of Nicklaus before the year's out.
