Tiger’s absence gives Irish a lift

Tiger Woods’s withdrawal from next week’s Masters could herald success for one of the three Irishmen competing at Augusta National.

Woods has contested 68 Majors since turning pro in September 2006, missing just four in that time — and on each of those occasions an Irishman has won the big prize.

Pádraig Harrington captured both the 2008 British Open and 2008 PGA Championship when Woods was sidelined with injury.