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Golf Looks for a Tiger Bailout

Sport struggles economically without its biggest star

By Gabriel Winant,  Newser User

Posted Feb 25, 2009 12:37 PM CST

(Newser) – Professional golf is looking to Tiger Woods’ return today as a stimulus package for the sport, which has seen recession undermine sponsorship deals and Woods’ 8-month absence siphon off fans, USA Today reports. Even fellow competitors are juiced ahead of the Match Play Championship outside Tucson, Ariz. “He’s carried this Tour,” says Kenny Perry, “and this is a huge boost.”

Says one TV analyst, “He brings the casual viewer back. There’s a buzz he creates that is just not the same as with anyone else.” The business side of the sport is surely hoping for Woods, finally injury-free, to do well. The president of NBC Sports crows, “To be able to feature America’s arguably greatest athlete is a godsend.”

Tiger Woods blasts a tee shot during a practice round at the Accenture Match Play Championship yesterday in Marana, Ariz.
Tiger Woods blasts a tee shot during a practice round at the Accenture Match Play Championship yesterday in Marana, Ariz.   (AP Photo)
Tiger Woods practices for the Accenture Match Play Championship yesterday in Marana, Ariz.; he's scheduled to play competitively today for the first time since winning last year's US Open.
Tiger Woods practices for the Accenture Match Play Championship yesterday in Marana, Ariz.; he's scheduled to play competitively today for the first time since winning last year's US Open.   (AP Photo)
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Tiger spikes everything. For us to have Tiger back after such a lengthy absence is special. - PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem

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COMMENTS
Showing 2 of 2 comments
jaguarj
Feb 25, 2009 5:34 AM CST
OH... Ish!!!
DeniseVB
Feb 25, 2009 12:56 AM CST
He'll certainly bring this casual viewer back. I've missed him.

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