Larry Dorman New York Times News Service

When Tiger Woods returns to the golf course, someone - an aggrieved fan, an ambitious bettor, an exhibitionist looking for a "SportsCenter" moment - will want to be the first to do the inevitable.

When Tiger Woods showed up for a practice round at Augusta National Golf Club, his appearance might have been news. But as pre-Masters rituals go, it was close to ordinary.

Even as Tiger Woods remained hidden from public view on Tuesday in his home, or somewhere else, he has also begun to fade from view in his role as ubiquitous corporate pitchman for an array of products.

When Tiger Woods returns to the golf course, someone - an aggrieved fan, an ambitious bettor, an exhibitionist looking for a "SportsCenter" moment - will want to be the first to do the inevitable.

When Tiger Woods showed up for a practice round at Augusta National Golf Club, his appearance might have been news. But as pre-Masters rituals go, it was close to ordinary.

Even as Tiger Woods remained hidden from public view on Tuesday in his home, or somewhere else, he has also begun to fade from view in his role as ubiquitous corporate pitchman for an array of products.