Tiger Woods: Despite Hoopla, Woods Knows He Isn't Back Without Win in Major

It's great to win a tournament. It's even greater when you haven't won one in almost three years. But when you're Tiger Woods, excellence is judged by one thing—major championships.

Tiger has 14 majors, and everyone knows he's chasing Jack Nicklaus' total of 18. It had once appeared that Tiger would blow through Nicklaus and everyone else, but then the last two and a half years happened.

As good as this win felt after the personal and professional struggles, Woods won't resume his pursuit of the Golden Bear until he captures another major.

His first chance of that will be next month at Augusta where Tiger will be chasing his fifth green jacket. He hasn't won at the Masters since 2005.

Coming off his win at Bay Hill, the Tiger-at-Augusta hype machine is in full swing. Tiger was visibly relieved as he tapped in the final shot at Bay Hill, but the celebration won't last long.

Tiger will return to the practice and diligent work that led him back through this long road. In one way, this struggle could ultimately make Tiger stronger. He has learned how fragile and without promise his success is.

After years of expecting to win, with fans, media and fellow golfers expecting him to win, Tiger had to deal with some major adversity. With that reality still in his head, he knows a win at Bay Hill does not mark his return to dominance.

Taking Augusta would be the win that legitimizes his return to that type of force.

If he wins his 15th major at the age of 36, Tiger would still be ahead of Nicklaus' pace. Nicklaus didn't win his 15th until he was 38 years old. Coincidentally, Nicklaus had a three-year drought between majors himself. Nicklaus won the USPGA in 1975 at 35, and didn't win another major until the British Open in 1978.

Another coincidence, 1975 was the year Woods was born. Do you think there were as many people doubting whether Jack would ever win another major?

I'm sure there were a few, but the eras are different, media was different, as were the circumstances that caused the time between major victories.

At the end of the day, time is time.

I think the time has finally come for Tiger to continue his march to match Jack.

All facets of Tiger's game seem to be back in check. He's driving well, putting well and playing a great in-between game. It feels like 2008 again.

I can't wait for the Masters.