Tiger Woods is back?

The Days Of Doubting Tiger Are Over (Globe & Mail)

Don't believe it.  

I will concede his game looks much better than it did four months ago when he flamed out and missed the cut at the PGA Championship. 

The one aspect of his game that looks devastatingly wicked is the long irons.  After watching his rounds during the Australian Open, The President's Cup and the Chevron Challenge (thank God for the PVR and fast forward) it was the long iron shots that caught my attention.  More than a few times, outside of 175 yards, he'd put the ball within 10 feet of the cup, setting up an eagle/birdie try.  In fact, I think  he's better from outside 175 yards than he is from inside 100.  His wedge game looks weak — watch the footage from his recent rounds and repeatedly he hits his wedge shots long or short.  But then the wedges have always been an issue, even before the implosion of his personal life and game.  

Last weekend's Chevron Challenge is Tiger's own tournament, set up to support his foundation.  It also feels set up to ensure Tiger gets lots of TV time.  Thus the small 18 man field consisting of Tiger's pals who know their role — make the host look good.  It reminds me of when a boxing promoter will line up a string of lame duck fighters for the champ to mow down after winning the title crown.

Whoops, another errant drive...  FORE RIGHT!

Except, Tiger's no longer wears the belt.  

Two reasons why:

The Driver — I think I counted three holes per round when he'd pull out the driver during the Aussie Open and during the Chevron, it was the same — three holes.  As long as he doesn't hit the driver, he can compete.  I want to see him in a real tournament where he has to use the driver 12-14 times.   It's always been hit and pray when the head cover comes off the driver.  Let's see how often he keeps the ball in the fairway then.

The Quality Of The Field — As the Globe & Mail smartly pointed out, the Chevron Challenge is hardly a top quality field.   It's also the end of the season, when most of the players are winding down.  Tiger, on the other hand, after a long lay off and three straight events, is starting to peak.  

Let's see how things unfold when Rory McIlroy, Luke Donald and Adam Scott show up, when everyone is geared up to play for something meaningful and when Tiger can't punch an iron off the tee at every hole.

Then we'll see if the cat's roar is really back.