Tiger Returns

The golf world has been waiting for Tiger Woods to stick a tee in the ground since June 17, 2008, the day after his U.S. Open playoff victory over Rocco Mediate. On Wednesday, when play begins in the Accenture Match Play Championship, the waiting will come to an end.

As far as the PGA Tour is concerned, Tiger's return could not come too soon. Ratings are dismal, many longtime golf writers have been silenced due to layoffs, sponsors are either disappearing or in trouble. The professional game, and to some extent the country club game as well, runs the risk of being marginalized by the rotten economy. If the game is not in crisis, it is close. So here comes Tiger to the rescue.

Among the many storylines that will play out of the next few days, the most significant will be the fitness of Tiger's left knee. Should he win his first three matches, he will be faced with the possibility of playing two matches on Saturday and then a thirty-six hole final match on Sunday. Few are the people who think that is physically possible or wise. As recently as a week ago, Steve Williams, Tiger's caddie, said his boss "hasn't been able to walk too well." After his performance at Torrey Pines last year, it would be foolish to suggest Tiger couldn't win this week. But he might be better served by losing.

In fact, the timing of the return begs the question of whether Tiger is truly playing to win this week. Or is he making an appearance to support a sponsor and test the waters before the Florida swing? There is no doubt that his competitive juices will be flowing at 2:02 EST on Wednesday when he squares off against Brendan Jones. But will there be any doubts Wednesday night when he ices his swollen knee? Either way, for the first time this year, the golf world will be watching.