Masters patrons thrilled by the return of Tiger

With a wide smile, 9-year-old Cameron Hastings turned to her dad, Jim, and said six words.

Photos: Tiger's Monday Practice

“I’m never washing this hand again,” she said.

Cameron wasn’t born the last time Tiger Woods won the Masters, but excitement over a Tiger fist bump hasn’t diminished since he was last triumphant at Augusta National in 2005.

“That was so cool,” Cameron shouted. “The greatest golfer ever just touched my hand.”

Woods arrived at Augusta National at 1:21 p.m. Monday and made his way to the practice range shortly after 2 p.m.

The four-time Masters Champion shared an embrace with Fred Couples on the range, then Woods, Couples and Justin Thomas joined together for an afternoon practice round.

“This has the potential to be the most exciting Masters ever,” said Mark Peele, of Birmingham, Ala. “It really does. Can you imagine if Tiger wins this thing? I mean, seriously. Augusta might implode on Sunday.”

It didn’t take long for Woods to have patrons cheering Monday, as he received a standing ovation on No. 1 tee box. A hole later, Woods chipped in from behind No. 2 green for eagle, as roars echoed through the gallery.

“He’s back,” said Allen McDonald, 57, who’s been to every Masters since 1988. “People have been saying, ‘Tiger’s chipping well (at PGA Tour events) in California and Florida, but Augusta’s different. He won’t do as well at the Masters.’ Well, that downhill chip looked pretty perfect to me.

“Tiger’s a different golfer than we saw a few years ago with the yips around here. He’s ready this time.”

McDonald was at the Masters in 1997, 2001, 2002 and 2005 when Woods left wearing green. He believes there’s a good chance a similar outcome is in store this year.

“He was close at Bay Hill,” McDonald said. “He was close (at the Valspar Championship) in Tampa, too. I really hope it comes together this week. Can you imagine? If Tiger wins that might top (Jack Nicklaus winning in) ’86.”