Tiger Woods is missing the Masters for the first time in 20 years, but the 38-year-old American still commands attention at Augusta National, site of the year’s first major championship in the United States of America.
The four-time Masters winner, stuck on 14 majors for the last six years, is sidelined after undergoing surgery for a pinched nerve in his back.
“We miss Tiger, as does the entire golf world,” Augusta National Chairman, Billy Payne, said in his State of the Masters news conference on Wednesday.
“He is always a threat to make a run and do well and win here at Augusta National.”
Woods, number two on the all-time majors list, had played in every Masters since his first appearance as US Amateur champion as a 19-year-old in 1995.
Reigning champion, Adam Scott of Australia, said Woods would be sorely missed at the 78th edition of the stately event conceived by the legendary Bobby Jones.
Scott said: “It’s a big loss for the tournament any time a world number one is not going to play.
“It’s a huge loss.
“But, as every year here, this event produces something special no matter what.
“It just has a way of doing it.
“It’s not going to involve Tiger this year, but it will involve someone else and it will be a memorable event anyway.”
Reuters/NAN.
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