AUGUSTA, Ga. — It’s hard not to be romantic about the Masters. Narratives rule all in this business, and more than any other sporting venue, Augusta National seems a willing participant. It co-authors storylines. Jack raises his fist one last time. Phil gets the monkey off his back. Tiger pulls off the unlikeliest of comebacks […]

AUGUSTA, Ga. — Watch the right knee. Not when he’s swinging—when he’s bending over. The more Tiger Woods’ right knee buckles as he picks up his tee or his ball out of the ground, the worse he’s feeling. Saturday was always going to be a test—a 3:45 a.m. wakeup, 25.5 holes with only an hour […]

AUGUSTA, Ga. — The scene wasn’t just set—it was straight out of a painting. Augusta National at Golden Hour. Perhaps the greatest player in the history of golf, wholly immersed in his craft. Hardly a breath of wind. A crowd of 40 or so people, at least 15 of whom have their own Wikipedia page, […]

AUGUSTA. Ga. — The evidence hides in the margins. In the moments he’s not standing over the golf ball. Unless you’re blessed with bionic vision, Tiger Woods’ swings always look more or less the same—whether he’s contending or missing a cut. It’s what happens between shots that tells you how he feels. And, at 44 […]

AUGUSTA, Ga. — Every single thing Tiger Woods says or does is dissected with surgical fastidiousness. Such is the reality for a true icon of sport. And there is a general consensus that Woods has softened over the years in his interactions with fellow players and media. Gone is the single-minded competitor determined not just […]