Tiger’s fitness a key question as US tour returns

The PGA Tour rings in the new year at Kapalua for the 20th straight time. The one moment that stands above all others over the years was the titanic battle between Tiger Woods and Ernie Els in 2000.

Both made eagle on the 18th hole to force a playoff. Both made birdie on the first extra hole. Woods ended it with a 35-foot birdie putt on the next hole. Equally memorable was what Els said when it was over: “He’s 24. He’s probably going to be bigger than Elvis when he gets into his 40s.”

Woods turned 42 on Saturday. He’s still not bigger than Jack Nicklaus when it comes to golf’s ultimate yardstick, most majors won.