Golf and the Masters poorer for Tiger decision

It is always easy at this time of year, when the azaleas are in bloom and the golfing world turns its focus towards Augusta National, to talk about all that is good and proper in the game.

To invoke the spirit of the club’s founding father and sporting corinthian Bobby Jones, and laud the tradition the Masters and its organisers do their utmost to uphold during the first Major championship of the season.

All was indeed well in this postcard-pretty corner of the American south, where being gentlemanly is second only to Godliness in the minimum requirements of the masculine gender.