It has been 53 days since golf's biggest star announced he was stepping away to sort out a private life that has run amok through tabloids and gossip magazines because of his extramarital affairs.
And that's why the "indefinite break" from golf that Woods announced two months ago didn't really start until Tuesday.
Truth is, little has changed during his absence.
At least so far.
The U.S. PGA Tour is only three weeks into its new season, three events that Woods usually doesn't play. Besides, not as many Americans watch golf during those weeks, from behind the ropes or on the sofa.
Torrey Pines, however, is different.
It's the first tournament on U.S. network television. It's where Woods and his chief rival, Phil Mickelson, typically start their seasons.
How much will the tour miss Woods? Now is the time to start keeping score.
The bigger question, which no one can answer, is when he will return.
