Masters Favorites 2012: Tiger Woods Will Begin New Era of Dominance at Augusta

It's time to forget about Tiger Woods returning as the golfer that he once was, because he is not. Instead, we will celebrate a new champion that has been changed by a tumultuous few years. 

Woods comes in with more than a top-notch driving game or the ability to once again hit putts from distance. He is altered somehow, no longer the hero that could do no wrong. 

On an unforgettable night in 2009, Woods became human, and he has been trying to compete as one for more than two years. 

He will not enter the Masters a loser, but a favorite that can finally compete with the rest of the golfers that Vegas and their odds love right now. When we accept that, we can finally move past the 924-day slump and see that something special is about to take place. 

And why not?

Augusta has been home to so many memorable chapters from Woods' legacy. His first major win came at the 1997 Masters, a moment that began a streak of domination that may never again be duplicated. 

From that finish to his fourth Green Jacket in 2005, Woods would nab nine majors and build a mystique that would have veterans crumble on the fourth day of a given tournament. Since his last Green Jacket that year, Woods would suffer mixed results. 

While he would get five more majors, Augusta dominance eluded him and then he stopped winning altogether. 

Tiger suffered an epic fall from grace when infidelities came to life that rocked the sports world. He would lose his endorsements, and the unbeatable form would exit as well. 

If Tiger does get a fifth Green Jacket this Sunday, he will be putting it on as a far different golfer than when he entered this game, because he is now a completely different person. 

Bay Hill's dominance proved Woods can again put together four rounds, drive better than most and deliver the necessary putts. In short, he can win. 

With a Masters title comes the knowledge that other majors will fall in line. Don't think for a second that the man winning them will be the old Tiger Woods, because he has long left this sport. 

A new Tiger is ready to emerge, and I am excited to see if he can become just as dominant. 

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