Why Is Everyone Shocked That Tiger Woods Is Playing Well?

Seriously folks, enough is enough.

Let's stop acting surprised at how well Tiger Woods shot on the first day at Firestone C.C. Let's stop fooling ourselves into thinking that Tiger's caddie change will really affect his game. Let's remind ourselves who we are dealing with here: it's Tiger Freaking Woods. 

But before I start sounding like some snobby golf expert, I have a confession to make; I also was skeptical before Thursday that Tiger would be able to perform competitively in the very selective Bridgestone Invitational. After his performance however, I really question why I ever doubted the greatest golfer in the world. 

I'm not saying Tiger is back to his prime, nor am I saying that he will ever return to be as dominant as he once was. I think it's clear in Tiger's appearance, performance, and confidence that he has put some personal perils behind him. 

It's no secret to anyone that Tiger massively screwed up (no pun intended). It was the day after Thanksgiving in 2009 when golf's most prolific star crashed his car into a tree. What seemed like a careless traffic accident spiraled into some of the most shocking revelations of infidelity that had been seen from not only from a sports star, but any public figure in general.

It was revealed over the next few months that Tiger had dozens of affairs and made very careful attempts to hide these from his wife. Ultimately, him and his wife split and Tiger took a leave of absence from the game. 

After a hopeful Masters performance this past April, Tiger once again shocked the sports' world when he announced he would be taking an indefinite leave from the game until he was "100 percent healthy." Just when it seemed like he was poised for his comeback, Tiger again disappeared.

So it is very reasonable that those of us who watch golf and were for 12 years amazed at how flawless and effortless Tiger made the epically frustrating game be skeptical. He was an athlete unlike any we had ever seen; he had mastered his sport.

When we saw him falter, both personally and in his performance, we had nothing to do but accept that Tiger as we knew him was history.

But as I said before, we forgot who we were dealing with. I think there is some gas left in the tank, and I am formally taking my own personal leave of absence from doubting Tiger Woods.

I don't care if he carries his own bag down the course or if I find out that his kneecap is shattered. I don't care what else is revealed about his personal life. I am once again a believer that Tiger is the greatest athlete in the world at his sport.

I may not know what the hell I am talking about or I may just be happy to see the guy in what seems like a better place. Either way, Tiger's back, and I think it's time that we stop finding reasons to negate that.