Palmer backs Tiger decision

By Mark Garrod, Press Association Sport Golf Correspondent Last updated: 16th March 2010

Arnold Palmer has expressed his disappointment at the fact Tiger Woods will not compete in his event at Bay Hill, but can understand why he chose to make his comeback at The Masters.

Woods announced on Tuesday that he would end his self-imposed four-month exile from the game at the first major of the year, at Augusta National in April.

The world number one had been tipped to return at either the Tavistock Cup or the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill, but claimed in a statement to the media that he did not feel prepared enough to compete in either event.

Palmer said of the news: "We're all disappointed that Tiger isn't going to be here to play.

"He didn't feel his game was up to speed to play this early.

"Augusta is the one place in the world where you can really have control. They will control everything from the crowds to the situation that will be facing Tiger.

"I think that if there is a place in the world that you can do that and do it properly, Augusta will do that."

Two-time major winner John Daly insisted that it would be "business as usual" for Woods when he rejoined his fellow professionals next month.

Speaking on the Golf Channel in America, Daly commented: "Tiger doesn't have anything to prove to anybody. He'll be focused on what he needs to do.

"The thing about Augusta is it's not like you can just walk in and buy a ticket, so it's tough and there's less crowds."

Meanwhile, those that have seen Woods practising recently insist they do not expect him to be affected by his extended absence at Augusta.

Charles Howell III said: "Honestly, he looked as good as he ever has. Seriously, he seemed like he was hitting it the same as he ever did."

Ryder Cup player JB Holmes echoed that, saying: "I watched him hit about five or six drivers and it looked like they all ended up in a 10-yard area. It looks like he's hitting it pretty good."

Former Ryder Cup player Howard Clark has said he can see some "method behind the madness" of Tiger Woods returning at The Masters and not before.

"I think it would be advisable to come back and play somewhere like Bay Hill because he has won it so many times and played so well there," said Clark on Sky Sports.

"But on the other side of it there won't be any cat-calls at The Masters. I think there's a little bit of method behind the madness.

"And there's a champions locker room where he can gain a lot of privacy. He can get away from the crowds, away from the media.

"With him working so hard on his game recently we knew he was going to start soon, but I think everybody has been caught cold by this.

"We knew he'd be back for The Masters, but we thought he might have two or three, maybe four or five, rounds under his belt to play and get used to playing again.

"Steve Stricker has spoken out recently and said it would be a bit unfortunate if it turned into a media 'Tiger comeback tournament' rather than The Masters championship itself.

"I don't think The Masters will allow that to happen to be honest. I think they will have all the media right in their place where they want them.

"They will have designated times that Tiger will turn up for photocalls, media interviews, radio, tv. It is going to be a scramble, but that first interview is going to be something amazing.

"The media will have their say, but I think The Masters have to keep a little bit of a tight rein on it.

"I think Tiger will feel comfortable in that environment. It's the smallest field of all the majors and it's probably the easiest one for him to win - there's quite a bit of room on the course.

"I think the situation is one he can control with all his IMG (International Management Group) men, with the people who work alongside him.

"They will be able to control things a lot easier at The Masters than at any other event."

Mark Garrod, Press Association Sport Golf Correspondent