Wynne Gray: In the grip of Tiger-mania

Tiger Woods is ranked 103 in the world but that will mean nothing at Augusta National. Photo / AP

Those who saw Bradman work his extraordinary genius throughout the cricket world are dwindling. As their age rises to challenge the Don's test average, they have precious memories of the dominance he delivered.

Others unveil their favourite moments watching Pele, Jordan or Jonah — special times that cannot be repeated.

But golf fans and historians have invaded Augusta this week to watch another chapter in the compelling career of a similarly charismatic sports star. They're on course somewhere at the Masters to catch a glimpse of Tiger and marry that with images broadcast around the famed course at the season's first major.

Kiwi golf fans had their domestic chance at Paraparaumu in 2002 when homegrown caddy Steve Williams persuaded his boss to visit and play Downunder. In difficult weather amidst some security concerns, Tiger finished fifth as the burly Craig Parry worked his way to the winner's cheque.

Like Arnie and Hogan before him, Tiger carries that magnetic allure and instant single-name recognition which ignites box-office interest from fans and broadcasters.

When he headed in for his fourth back surgery a year ago and not long after was found unconscious in his car on the side of the road in Florida, the chances of a comeback looked as dishevelled as Tiger's mugshot. It seemed he was in the death throes of a messy personal life and injury catalogue he could not shake.

But that discounts the competitive golfing fury which has driven Tiger since he first hit a cut-down club — a year on with medical approval and several months tournament play to sharpen his game, Tiger is in the top line of Masters' favouritism.

The bookies and experts are backing him for all sorts of reasons.

His history of success around Augusta and ability to produce the money shot under extreme pressure, his thirst for the big occasion, his improved driving and renowned skills to read and make putts on the tricky greens and the intimidation his name will bring if it enters the leaderboard — the list swells with every conversation about Tiger.

Dustin Johnson is the world No1 then Justin Thomas, Jon Rahm, Jordan Spieth and Justin Rose. Their stats are top-level and they play spectacular golf but only Spieth in that group has won the green jacket. The only other winner in the top 10 is defending champion Sergio Garcia and his spirit may have waned a touch after finally cracking his breakthrough title.

You have to drill down the rankings to 103 to find Tiger but that is as relevant as his allotted space in the carpark. What does matter is history, knowledge and form and he's bringing those qualities to the manicured fairways, dyed ponds and pinestraw around Augusta. Phil Mickelson and Bubba Watson carry similar firepower as multiple winners and men who understand how to handle the heat of the opening major.

The Masters on its pay channels conflicts with the extensive free-to-air coverage of the Commonwealth Games across the Ditch and in these times of economic restraint, gratis is gold.

However, come Monday morning if Tiger is threatening and in the chase for the title the eyeballs and keyboard warriors will rise in a way which has slipped from the Masters since Tiger was the number one show on course.