Tiger Woods Back; Local Golfers React

Tiger Woods returned to professional golf Thursday at the Master’s tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club. Woods returned after a five-month hiatus following his admission of marital infidelity.

Young and older golfers from all across the United States, on vacation in the desert, reacted to Woods’s return.

“I just like him for his golf,” said Conrad Roman, a 16-year-old.

“We’re glad to have Tiger back,” said Dick Frantz, on vacation from Portland, Ore.

Bob Ackerman, a Woods supporter said, “Give him a chance.”

Reaction to Woods’s return was mixed.

“Everybody makes mistakes,” said Stephanie Sorenson, who said the focus should stay on Woods’s golf game and not his personal life.

“I don’t necessarily approve of his off-course . . . habits,” said Conrad Roman, a 14-year-old.

“He was a role model,” said Cooper Roman. “But, now I don’t really know what to expect,”

But, overall, fans are ready to root for him again.

“I’m kind of tired of it,” said Joe Quinn, on vacation from Lake Tahoe. “I want to see him play good golf, and I don’t care how many girlfriends he has.”

However, a commercial released by Nike, one of Woods”s remaining sponsors, has golfers scratching their heads.

“It’s creepy,” said Ackerman.

Carl Hanacek said the spot was “a little strange.”

The commercial features Woods standing alone, with the voice of his late father, Earl, in the background discussing responsibility.

“It’s like, ‘gee dad – don’t hit me again,” said Frantz.

But, now that Woods is back on the course, that’s where fans hope the attention stays.

“I was a Tiger Woods fan, and I’ll take 5 percent [of your cut] if you win [Tiger],” said Quinn. “I’ll endorse whatever you do.”