ATLANTA _ You wonder why golf coverage is so Tiger Woods-centric? Need a reminder other than a simple overhead shot at this Tour Championship, where some of the biggest weekday crowds in memory have gathered?
Then listen to the Golf Channel ratings for Thursday's first round. They came in 26 percent higher than last year's Tour Championship first round and were the highest for an opening round at East Lake in six years. Woods had not played here since 2013.
They now have something called streaming numbers, too. Those also are experiencing the Woods Bump, and are the highest for any non-major event this year since the Players Championship in May, according to Golf Channel.
Rickie Fowler said the other day, "In my eyes, the biggest win for him is just staying healthy and being out here all year consistently. I'm definitely happy for him. It's obviously great for our sport."
He wasn't just being kind. He spoke truth, especially in the closing sentence. More ratings bonanzas are virtually guaranteed.
