Scottish fans offer quiet respect to Masters
titlist
By ROBERT MILLWARD / AP Sports Writer
TROON, Scotland (AP) - A second before Tiger Woods drew back
his putter for a birdie attempt at 18, a lone American voice broke
the silence by calling out: "You're the man, Tiger."
Fortunately, he made the putt.
The caller was in stark contrast to the rest of the 5,000-strong
gallery following Woods at the British Open. In the same way they
have revered Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson, they
offered the same respect to Woods.
Quietly.
As Woods completed a 3-over round of 74 with that 20-foot putt
to make the cut and stay in the competition, the gallery of predominantly
Scottish fans roared and then generously applauded the expert
finish by the 21-year-old golf phenomenon. There were some loud
whistles but the fans stayed well in control and then focused
on the next threesome coming through.
Tiger Woods' impact on his first pro appearance in the Open
was comparatively low key. Tigermania, the source of wild scrums
around the young player on courses in the United States, didn't
get a ticket.
Organizers provided extra security but made sure it didn't
spoil the fans' enjoyment. Woods was followed around the course
by four members of the British Army Golf Club, serving soldiers
who play golf but were unarmed and wore the official uniform of
the tournament.
Their task was to make sure the golf superstar could move through
the crowds without being held up or molested. They didn't have
a lot to do.
With those under 18 allowed in free so long as they were accompanied
by adults. hundreds of Scottish youngsters rushed to get their
first look at the Masters titlist.
Apart from the occasional shout of "come on Tiger"
or "well played Tiger" as Woods walked down the fairway,
they made little noise and created no nuisance.
The only problem Woods has had was with photo-snapping spectators,
who have the habit of taking pictures as he is about to make a
shot.
"The fans have been great, really supportive," Woods
said after Friday's round. "But we have problems every day
with cameras.
"People were taking pictures during our swings and when
we stand over the ball"
John Braid, chief marshal for the tournament, said his staff
had been given instructions to prevent that.
"I know that they have not been so successful in achieving
that," he said. "I wanted to put up a directive that
cameras should be banned."
But Braid said he was pleased with the crowd's response to
Woods.
"Scottish people know golf and they are extremely respectful
to players, especially brilliant ones like him. The concept of
Tiger Woods' first pro appearance and youngsters being allowed
in for free was a double-edged sword so far as I was concerned
but there hasn't been a bit of a problem.
"In fact, the whole tournament has been a little low key.
The quieter it is, the better it is for me."
Even the tabloids have been a little subdued although some
suggested Woods appeared to lack humor.
"Fans want smile, Tiger" headlined the Glasgow-based
Daily Record.
"The customers were all loyal subjects behaving and sounding
as if they wanted to kill the Tiger, but only with their kindness,"
the Record said.
At The Railway Hole, the par 4 11th which has trains running
alongside the fairway, the driver tooted his horn as Tiger walked
towards his ball. Woods shook his head.
"Woods might also want to relate with his people a little
more," said the Record.
"You know, just an upward curl of the lips every now again
would do fine, Tiger."
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