A Tournament Entry Deadline That Only Tiger Could Love

Tiger historically waits until the Friday prior to enter a tour event and is often criticized for doing so because of he could significantly help a tournament by entering early. (He'd also be trashed for entering and then withdrawing...a major no-win). 

So this news should be music to his ears, though I have to say of the more peculiar Augusta National policies, this is near the top of the list

So if Tiger Woods decides to play the first major of the year, he only needs to show up before his tee time on Thursday.

Players receive an invitation in December that asks them to R.S.V.P., and they usually do.

Masters spokesman Steve Ethun said when Woods announced his indefinite break from golf on Dec. 11, Woods' spokesman Glenn Greenspan (who previously had Ethun's job) said he would keep Augusta National apprised.

"We have yet to hear any word," Ethun said last week.

The Masters has a good idea who is playing when they make tee times on Tuesday for the first two rounds. Even so, Ethun said it was possible for a player to just show up and head to the tee because there is no alternate list.

"They do have to register before their tee time," he said.