Kendyll Ferrall
Golf, as we know it, is still intact.
The green jackets did not spontaneously combust; the sand traps did not part to reveal a fiery golf underworld; and the members of the Augusta Country Club did not ensue a riot. For the first time in 20-years Tiger Woods was absent at the Masters and the world continued to exist.
The void left at the tournament by Woods gave us a glimpse at what life without him would be like. It is becoming more and more obvious that the time to say goodbye to the 38-year-old adulterer is fast approaching, because let’s face it, Woods is no Jack Niklaus or Phil Mickelson.
But this goodbye is not shocking or unexpected, no one is being blind-sided, this goodbye has been coming for a while. Although it seemed like just yesterday that Woods dawned his very first green jacket back in 1997, fast forward 17-years and Woods’ body seems to be hinting at retirement.
Actually the body of the number one player in the world is not hinting at a looming retirement, it is shouting at a looming retirement. At least, the left side of his body is shouting.
Beginning in 1995, fresh out of Stanford, Woods began his first of many left-knee surgeries. Woods has racked up an impressive surgery resume, ranging from a torn ACL to his back to his recurring left knee for a total of six surgeries in 19-years.
As if six surgeries were not enough, it seems as though Woods acquires injuries easier than he acquires Olympic skiers. According to Golf Digest, Woods has suffered at least 16 injuries severe enough to force him to either withdraw from a tournament or skip it all together.
Woods’ most recent injury resulted in his Masters absence, his worst-ever start to a PGA tour, his withdrawal from the Honda Classic and at Bay Hill. His season effectively ended before it even started.
According to SB Nation, Woods is expecting to make a full recovery and hopes to return to the green in time for the U.S. Open. But even if he does return to reclaim is spot as the greatest golfer in the world, it is only a matter of time before his knee acts up or his back spasms or another woman hits him in the face with a nine iron.
Maybe this will not be Woods’ last season, he might have five left or he might have one left, but his tee times are quickly running out. Golf may not be the same when Woods hangs up his red-polo for good, but a game that has existed for 600-years should be able to survive the exit of a player who has only been around for 38.
