The buzz surrounding Tiger Woods has changed.
What once centered on a fascination of his dominance and his otherworldly talents that were so clearly above and beyond those of his competitors has transitioned into a more passionate rooting interest among fans who seem desperate to see him complete this latest comeback of his.
Woods, at age 42 and playing his 14th tournament of the year after a fourth back surgery, has become more relatable to the fans than he’s ever been because he’s become more vulnerable than he ever was.
This is not to say he’s morphed into Phil Mickelson or Rickie Fowler in terms of fan interaction and popularity, but the vulnerabilities Woods has displayed through his infidelity scandal and subsequent failed marriage, addiction to prescription pain pills and loss of his game have turned him from a feared superhero to a sympathetic figure of sorts.
The first real noticeable shift in the fan reaction to Woods came in March at the Valspar Championship outside of Tampa, where, in that Sunday’s final round, Woods had a chance to win for the first time since 2013 before finishing in a tie for second.
The atmosphere was so electric it felt like a major championship, not just another PGA Tour stop. It was clear the fans there felt like they were on the verge of witnessing something historic.
That vibe was ratcheted up tenfold two weeks ago at the PGA Championship in St. Louis, where the massive crowds were trying to will Woods to victory with his every swing. The atmosphere at Bellerive felt super-charged, particularly in the final round, when Woods was making a Sunday charge, shooting 64.
Like in Tampa, Woods finished just short, in second place, and enters this week’s Northern Trust at Ridgewood Country Club — the first of four FedExCup playoff events — still in search of his first victory in 39 tournament starts dating back to 2013.
But, unlike in the years of his dominance, when second place might as well have been 82nd place, Woods’ behavior and body language after the PGA were those of someone who felt like he’d accomplished something. It oddly felt like Woods won that week — even though he didn’t fly home with a trophy.
“This entire year has been so different,’’ Woods said Tuesday before heading out for a practice round at Ridgewood. “I’ve had excitement. I’ve had people into it over the years, but this has been so different. Go back to how everyone received me at Tampa. That was very special, and I had not received ovations and warmth like that.’’
Few could relate to Woods’ cold-blooded dominance for that decade-plus when he won 69 of his 79 career victories.
Now, 0-for-his-last-38 tournaments, divorced with two kids, coming off a fourth back surgery and only 15 months removed from unwittingly starring in that humiliating police dashcam DWI arrest in Florida, Woods’ vulnerability now makes him a different kind of draw for the fans.
People love to root for comeback stories and they relate to vulnerabilities, because we all have them.
“I think that people are more, I guess appreciative,’’ Woods said. “I don’t want to make that sound wrong or anything, but they know that I’m at the tail end of my career and I don’t know how many more years I have left. But I’m certainly not like I was when I was 22. (At) 42 it’s a different ballgame.’’
When it was suggested to Woods that this year — despite his being winless — might be the best of his career that has included 10 years with at least five victories, he concurred. And with good reason, considering the depths from which he’s come — ranked 1,199th in the world in December and currently No. 26 and a lock to be a playing member of the Ryder Cup team.
“No doubt,’’ Woods said. “To have a winless year, but to go through what I’ve gone through … man, it’s been so special to have this opportunity again. I’m certainly not taking it for granted, that’s for sure.’’
Now all there is for Woods to complete his comeback is something he perhaps did take for granted during his dominance: winning again.
“I feel my next wins are coming soon,’’ Woods said. “How soon, I don’t know, but I’m putting myself there in tournaments now, so I’m not that far away from getting it done.’’
When and if Woods does get it done again, his next win would be his 80th and tie him with Sam Snead for the most ever won on the PGA Tour. Jack Nicklaus’ record of 18 major championship victories still remains as a distant goal for Woods, who owns 14.
Asked which of those numbers is more important to him — 18 or 80? — Woods said, “In order to get to Jack’s record, I have to pass Snead’s record. I want to make that happen. I’m close. I have been close to winning tournaments this year. I think if I keep giving myself opportunities, I’ll get the job done.’’
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