Although Tiger Woods may not have performed at his highest level during the recent Masters, he was still able to finish only 5 shots back of the top spot. Recently, Tiger Woods summed up his time at the Masters as “pretty cool,” and also apologized for the harsh language that he used during the tournament after a few bad shots.

The tournament was Woods’ first since his highly scrutinized sex scandal first went public. The scandal threatens to ruin his reputation and image, but clearly has not affected his ability to play the game that made him famous.

“I have to say it felt great to return to competition at the Masters Tournament. To actually contend in a major on the back nine Sunday and tie for fourth with very little preparation, with all that has transpired in my life, was pretty cool,” Tiger went on to say on his website, TigerWoods.com

Tiger also apologized for using harsh language while he was out on the course. He said that he was sorry, but that he was caught up in the moment and he is trying to do all that he can to change without losing his competitive spirit.

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It was inevitable that golf god Tiger Woods’ return to the Masters this week would prove to be a major television event. Will anyone ever look at him the same?

“We have all put him up on such a pedestal, not only in the golf, but we took for granted the personal side, too,” said Steve Stricker, who went 4-0 with Woods as his partner in the Presidents Cup. “We’ll have to wait and see what golf he brings when he comes back. This may fire him up even more and make him even stronger. He may have less distractions. Who knows? He could be better.”

Augusta National already has said it would allow ESPN to show Woods’ opening tee shot. CBS president Sean McManus predicted that Woods at the Masters would rank only behind President Barack Obama’s inauguration as the “biggest media spectacle.”

Equally curious will be the golf itself, especially now.

Woods last won a major at the 2008 U.S. Open, when he returned from a nine-week break to win at Torrey Pines on a left knee so torn up that he had season-ending injury a week later.

He has never missed the cut at the Masters as a pro. He has won four times, but just once over the last seven years. And he hasn’t hit a meaningful shot in five months.

“Do I think Tiger Woods can be a competitive factor at the Masters? I can’t believe you’re even asking that question,” Cink said. “We’re talking about Tiger Woods, the best player that’s ever played golf. I’ve seen the players who are usually in that conversation. I’ve never seen anybody that plays golf like Tiger Woods does. So the answer to that question is ‘Yes, I believe he can be a factor.”’

Beyond the Masters, can he resume his pursuit of Nicklaus’ 18 majors?
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