Woods sparks an interest in golf that no one else can

"Tiger Woods has been the face of golf the past 15 years," said Rory McIlroy, ranked No. 1 in the planet along with the heir obvious to Woods. "And you know, feeling like he's coming back to his best as well near his best, it is great for the game. He is able to spark a desire for golf that nobody else can."

In something of the irony, Woods was asked a day earlier how his body was holding up this coming year. "Oh, it feels great," he told reporters without hesitation.

And on the range Saturday on taylormade burner superfast 2.0 driver the TPC Blue Monster, Woods was clearly feeling good about himself. He chatted happily with Australian Jason Day, discussing the advantages of surviving in Florida, his kids (Woods even showed Day video of Tiger's young son Charlie hitting tennis balls) and the health.

So after Day had completed his own round Sunday, he was stunned to learn about Woods' situation.

"Get out," said Day. He added later, "I was asking about his health and I used to be asking about his knee and that he said he felt great. ?- It seemed like he was starting to have a bit of momentum."

Now Woods is a medical holding pattern. It must drive him nuts.

Woods is 36. His four-time surgically repaired knee is a lot older. Now his Achilles is bothering him again. But there was pointless to press on Sunday. He was 3-over-par to the Callaway RAZR Hawk Draw Driver round and never within three zip codes of the lead.

This isn't about Woods creating a swing change, this really is with regards to a part of the body with issues. That may add another question mark to his comeback.

Meanwhile, the tour and also the Masters holds its breath. Right after the trophy presentation on the 18th green, PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem probably headed towards the nearest Hallmark store to acquire discount golf clubs Woods a get well card.

The WGC-Cadillac Championship did perfectly without him -- Sunday's finish was a keeper, with Justin Rose hanging on for the win against Bubba Watson. But as good as it had been, Woods allures the casual golf fan, as well as the non-fan.