Is it possible for the World No. 1 to fly under the radar? With Tiger Woods in the field it is

The 973rd-ranked player in the world teed off on Augusta National’s par-4 1st just after 11 a.m. on the first day of the 86th Masters. The gallery was 10 deep in some spots, and patrons camped out all morning for a prime viewing spot. When the group cleared the hole, the masses flowed to the par-5 2nd, enamored by Group 14.

About 20 minutes later, the No. 1-ranked player in the world approached the same tee box. The galleries had thinned out by then, and the raucous scene from a half hour earlier was by now a fleeting memory. There was no issue finding a decent spot to watch the top-ranked player in the world.

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World No. 973 is, of course, Tiger Woods, and No. 1 is Scottie Scheffler. And despite the numbers next to their names, there’s no mistaking who the fans arrived at Augusta National to see.

That’s just how Scheffler likes it.

“Tiger takes a lot of attention away from all of us, which I think is a good thing,” Scheffler said earlier this week. “He’s used to being in the spotlight. Tiger is the needle for professional golf.”

Woods is indeed the needle, and on Thursday, it was dialed all the way up.

There was no spotlight brighter than the one on Group 14 during the opening round, consisting of Woods, Joaquin Niemann and Louis Oosthuizen. The trio might not have been the most highly-ranked in the field, but they sure had the most star power, by virtue of one Eldrick Woods.

Those who braved the circus were treated to a show. Woods returned to Augusta National (and competitive golf) with a flourish, finishing in red numbers on the day and sending a jolt through the grounds in the process. It was as inspiring as it was impressive, all things considered.

Just 14 months before, Woods nearly lost his leg in a horrific car accident. There were questions on whether or not he’d even walk again, let alone play high-level golf. But on a perfect Thursday at Augusta, he answered all those questions and more.

As impressive as it was, the better golf was played two groups behind Woods, courtesy of your World No. 1.

While the Tiger Woods show raged on, Scheffler plodded along at his own pace. He opened with seven pars in a row, found some birdies near the turn and then kept himself in red numbers the rest of the day. Four birdies, one bogey — 69. Two better than the man in pink up ahead.

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“I think Tiger was a few groups of in front of us,” Scheffler said after the round. “We definitely heard some noise. It was fun.”

Flying under the radar is just fine by Scheffler. The 25-year-old has never been much concerned with media attention. On Thursday, he didn’t get much of it — despite the number next to his name. It didn’t bother him one bit.

“I definitely don’t think I need any more attention than I have at the moment,” Scheffler said. “Having Tiger here with what he does for the game of golf is so special. I’m hoping we’re going to see him back here a lot more here in the future.”

One thing is for certain: Woods will be back at Augusta tomorrow afternoon, wowing the crowds once again. Two groups behind him will be the World No. 1 — and with a much smaller crowd.

That’s just how he likes it.