HOW ABOUT THAT PHIL...

He's back for sure. Surprised us all by his explosive jump out of the starting gate. He looks better than ever. Working out has been good to him. He also played some spectacular golf the first three rounds. First round --- eight birdies, no bogies. How about Saturday? An eagle, seven birdies and no bogies. Look out Tiger!

Will Phil's comeback stand up this weekend? Will the Tiger show some rust? The only sure thing is that the media will be back in full force.

Marion

Tiger Returns to Challenge at Match Play

Well, so much for my predictions. I thought five days and the prospect of 36 holes in one day would sideline the tiger until Doral. Also Accenture will be played on a hilly kinda course and Doral is flat and nicer. He must be chomping at the bit to get back into competition.

Hank Haney says he's ready. Haney doesn't worry about the leg, but he is a bit concerned about the rust. We will soon see ...

Marion

JUST A FEW OBSERVATIONS...

Here's a few quickies and then I've gotta run...

Phil has finally broken thru it would appear. He is leading in the first 16 holes of the 1st round of the Northern Trust at -8. Let's watch and see if he can hold up. He had a bad start this year. Hopefully this mean it is turned around.

Veej is back after knee surgery the first part of January. Last week, he didn't look quite ready. But you know the Big Fijian! Expect him to look much better this week.

Kim will be playing. He played Malaysia last week and started slow and ended low. But we will see how his shoulder holds up. If it is under control, expect him to make a move.

Retief is showing pretty good form. He has been working out and slimmed down a bit. The new sunglasses may be a benefit also.

Marion

BACK TO GOLF...

Would you like to see a pic of the new addition to the Tiger's lair? Here's Charlie.

Well, I'm finally back and ready to jump into the 2009 season. I will do some recap, but first let's look at the question everyone is asking. What is happening with the Number One player? Here's what his caddy had to say yesterday:

Tiger Woods is closing in on a return to the PGA Tour, according to his caddie Steve Williams.

Woods has been out of competitive action since winning the US Open in June last year after having reconstructive surgery on the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee the following week.

"He is ready to go anytime in the next few weeks," Williams told Television New Zealand. "He is about 90% but he won't play unless he is 100%."

He added: "He has had to modify his swing a little bit to accommodate his knee but it is a matter of getting back into the groove."

Woods, who earlier this month celebrated the birth of his second child with wife Elin, has won 14 Major golf championships and needs five more to set a new record for the most Major wins.

And Williams believes that even if Woods is a little rusty upon his return the American will have the mental strength to remain the world's leading player.

"I've said it before, the best quote I have heard about him is that 'they haven't operated on his head and you haven't operated on his heart', which are his two best components," he added.

"Maybe his game is not as good but if he is mentally stronger - we all know that he is the mentally toughest player to play the game so that in itself is a big factor."

I never expected him to play the Accenture. That is a grueling test. First of all it is a five day affair with far too many holes to play on a new knee. March 12 at Doral WGC-CA is much more realistic. Place your bets!

Marion