BACK IN THE HUNT

Yesterday, I saw something that I haven't seen in about a year and a half. Tiger Woods. Being the first day of the first tournament of the year his game was still a little rough, but he's definitely back. He hit fairways off the tee, looked pretty controlled with his putter, and his up and down play from the fairway to the greens was solid. All leading to a respectable -3 on the day. The most telling moment of the day though came in the middle of his round -- His worst shot of the day. Tiger had a bad out from a sand trap, slammed his wedge against the lip, and walked away in disgust murmuring to himself. Yeah, he is back. Last year there would have been nothing. Like a robot, he would have played that same ball, walked away with his head hanging, and just put more pressure on the next shot. With everything that was going on off the course in 2010 for Tiger, he just wasn't himself. There were no bursts of emotion like the one seen Thursday, because he promised to no longer do it in an attempt to save some character. Every shot had so much tension in it that it was nearly impossible for him to put a complete round together. Knowing now that he would go the first season in his career without one win, you have to wonder if he make the same choice to play, or just sit the year out and take the time to refocus himself. I realize him playing last year was probably an outlet or escape to some extent, but he clearly still had a lot on his mind other than his golf game. A little over a year since the initial incident, Tiger looks to have come full circle, or at least is rounding the last corner. His legal issues are mostly behind him, he's practicing at all hours of the day, his media spots are no longer confrontational and awkward, and most of all he just looked refreshed. Tiger will return to form, get his usual 5 - 10 wins on the year, which may or may not include a major, and find himself at or next to the top of the golf world once again. Take note PGA players. Tiger Woods is back on the prowl. And no, not like that.