THE RETURN of Tiger Woods to golf, with the Masters Tournament at the Augusta Greens, has become a moment of reckoning for his sponsors like Nike, Gillete and EA Sports. While the sponsers had chosen to stand with the number one ranked golfer during the scandals involving Woods' personal life, they may part ways if the Tiger isn't able to perform at the PGA tour.

The Tiger Woods scandal, which surfaced in November, saw as many as ten women confirming that the golfer had had an affair with them, over the course of his ten year marriage to Elin Nordegren. While wife Elin moved out, the golfer took a break from golf, stating the need to spend time with his family and be and shunted off to a sex addiction clinic.

Many sponsors severed ties with the golfer, including Gatorade, which announced ending its deal with Tiger Woods on February 26 and Accenture. Gillete had also distanced himself from the golfer. Those who remained with him, did so during the 12 weeks when he was absent from public view.

Tiger Woods needs to payback to these sponsors as a steady brand ambassador on the Augusta Greens in two ways. While it is a given that a good game by the golfer will boost his image and that brands associated with him tremendously, the true test will be model conduct on the greens and off it. Tiger Woods has seen a huge loss of face after the sex scandal broke through and needs to show that he is serious on the promises he made to fans during the February press conference cum apology.