When the Masters ends this Sunday, there is a very real possibility that Tiger Woods will have been unseated from the throne that signifies golfing supremacy, one that he has been occupying for the past 54 weeks, and a total of 678 weeks, in his exceptional career.
If it does happen – and there are three contenders in the fray which increases the chances – it would be the end of one of the greatest chapters of the game, and fans would do well to get used to the post-Tiger era.
Woods’ place in the history of the game as perhaps one of its greatest exponents is secured, and it would be foolish to believe he won’t play a part in its future too when he comes back from another debilitating injury, but it’s time to stop writing obituaries about tournaments, just because he is not taking part.
All the talk in the lead-up to this week’s Masters has centred around Woods and there have been doomsayers who have predicted golf will suffer in his absence.
The reality is far removed from such a scenario, and I strongly feel such talks are disrespectful to the legacy that Woods has already created.
All you have to look at are young players of the calibre of Rory McIlroy, Jordan Spieth, Patrick Reed and Victor Dubuisson, to name a few.
These are players blessed not only with exceptional skills, but also enviable work ethics and most of them have been inspired by the achievements of Woods himself.
But circumstances are changing now, and you can blame it on Father Time.
I have been to many junior events and camps, and it is eye-opening to hear a majority of these tiny tots naming players like McIlroy and Dustin Johnson as their heroes.
Obviously, adult fans have grown up on the exploits of Woods, and will take some time to adjust to the changing dynamics of the game.
For those looking to find new heroes, step forward Adam Scott.
The 33-year-old Aussie has already shown us time and again what a magnificent golfer, and role model, he is. He has a magnetic personality, is humble to the point of fault, has a squeaky clean image,and let’s not forget his Hollywood looks that make him a complete package.
The similarity Scott shares with Woods has been a little too much for some with Scott often accused of trying to copy the American.
When Woods was working with Butch Harmon and winning just about everything with his previous swing, Scott followed suit.
When Woods was unable to play because of his personal issues, Scott was quick to snap up his caddie, Steve Williams, albeit on loan at that time before the American and the Kiwi bagman fell apart.
If Scott does copy Woods, what better role model to follow in golf?
His stature has grown with each passing year, and it reached dizzying heights in 2013 when he won the Masters.
More so, after the way he handled the stunning loss in the Open Championship at Lytham and St Anne’s the year before.
Not many players would have been able to regroup the way Scott did, almost like McIlroy at the 2011 US Open following the Masters.
A win this week would be special for Scott.
Not only will he become the No1 in world rankings, he will make a massive stride in becoming No1 in the minds of fans as well.
