10 April,2010 06:48 AM IST | | PA Sport
Tiger Woods is already in the hunt for another major on his return to golfu00a0-- and his late father is playing a part.
Back in action for the first time since his world was turned upside down last November by sex revelations, Woods is only two behind leader Fred Couples after an opening four under par 68.
Far from showing signs of rust, the World No 1 ignored a light plane trailing a banner that mocked his stated return to Buddhismu00a0-- it read "Tiger, did you mean bootyism"u00a0-- to knock two strokes off his lowest-ever start at Augusta.
After the round Woods was asked about the aircraft and the new advertisement by Nike, one of the sponsors who have stuck with him since the scandal erupted.
Earl Woods died four years ago, but he is heard speaking over a lingering black and white shot of his son staring at the camera throughout.
"Tiger, I am more prone to be inquisitive to promote discussion," says his father. "I want to find out what your thinking was. I want to find out what your feelings are and did you learn anything?"
Woods, delighted by his start and by the ovations he received throughout the day, commented: "I think that's what my dad would say. It's amazing how my dad can speak to me from different ways, even when he's long gone. He's still helping me.
"I think any son who has lost a father and who meant so much in their life, I think they would understand the spot."
As for the plane, the four-time Masters champion stated: "I didn't see it." And when asked what he thought of someone going to that trouble he added: "It wouldn't be the first time."
