Getting Tiger Woods, the economy on a roll just what golf needs

Since Tiger Woods didn’t play last week at the Shell Houston at Redstone Golf Club, he goes into Augusta working on a winning streak. It’s just one, of course, as he recorded his first win on the PGA Tour in 923 days two weeks ago, and it came at a place he’s owned – Bay Hill in Orlando – but at least we’re talking about Tiger Woods winning again.

And whether you like Tiger Woods or not, his winning is good for the game, just like seeing the Standard & Poor’s 500 soar is good for the economy. Which of those events, if any, will have any staying power remains to be seen, but both should have those in the golf industry feeling a little better at the moment.

An article in Sunday’s New York Times linked the two together.

Incredibly, the S&P 500 drought has been just about the same length of time as Woods’. On March 15, the S&P, which tracks the movement of big company stocks, closed above 1,400 on March 15, a 12 percent gain this year alone, and the first time it had closed that high in 951 trading days.

At first glance, the two might seem unrelated – and really they are – but they can both have positive influence on golf.

Woods, if he does return to old form, would no doubt boost the ratings again and probably draw some new players into the game. I’ve often said that all we need is for someone else to step up and dominate the way Woods has done. I still believe that’s true, but for anyone to approach Woods’ star power would take a couple of years. Woods returning to form right now would be an instant shot in the arm for the game.

A good economy is also a booster for a game that’s been struggling to maintain, especially in participation. The PGA and USGA have been rolling out some programs, like Golf 2.0 for example, but putting people back to work, giving them raises and some discretionary income would be fastest way to grow golf right now.

With that said, we bring these good feelings into this week’s Masters. Maybe with things looking up, more of us will enter Masters pools, watch the telecast and perhaps be inspired to play a little more golf. Tiger’s back – at least for now – and the economy is looking up a little. Golf is looking a little better, too, because of it.