A Novel Idea
Dear Tiger,
All the talk about you lately has been centered around whether you will make your return at Bay Hill or the Tavistock Cup or even the Masters. I have another idea: You should come back to golf at the Shell Houston Open, April 1--4.
I'm sure you want to announce to the world that not only are you back, but that you are also a new Tiger. What better way to do that than to show up at an event that you've never played. Teeing it up in Houston would give a set of fans who've never seen you in person a reason to get behind your return, which would send a good message and create some positive vibes.
The Houston golf family would welcome you with open arms. Sure you messed up, but that's O.K., we would forgive you. Houston is not a city. It is a town, a friendly town, where we have great cultural diversity and embrace everyone in the world. We would certainly embrace you.
Another reason to come is that given the situation you're in, you need some tournament competition before the Masters, and there's no better place for that than our venue, Redstone Golf Club, where we mimic the conditions you'll find at Augusta National. I think you'd be very impressed with Redstone, which will be set up with shaved chipping areas, fast greens and light rough.
I've heard that in the past you preferred not to play the week before a major championship, but since you're getting a new start, it might be time to change that thinking. As you probably know, Phil Mickelson has played here the last few years, including the week before his last Masters win (2006), and a player I work with, Angel Cabrera, played here last year. I think you'll agree that worked out pretty well for him.
Finally, no one is expecting you to play here, and that could help reduce the media frenzy at least somewhat. Maybe.
To sum up, I've been a player, a teacher and a participant on the golf scene around Houston for nearly 40 years, and if you come here I promise you'll find a welcoming environment, a good Augusta-like course, and great accommodations.
Committing to the Shell Houston Open would be the best decision you've made in a long time.
Sincerely,
Charlie Epps
Director of Instruction, the Houstonian Golf Club, and member of the Houston Golf Association
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TOP 100 TEACHERS POLL
CAN TIGER WOODS WIN THE MASTERS WITHOUT PLAYING IN ANOTHER TOURNAMENT FIRST?
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No 37%
"He'll be so focused and exited to be back that all the old knowledge will kick in."
—Bruce Patterson, Butler National
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KEVIN C. COX/WIREIMAGE.COM/GETTY IMAGES (FLAG)
RUST OFF Woods would find Augusta-like conditions at Redstone.
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ROBERT BECK (WOODS)