The poll also found Woods’ presence at Augusta will make no difference to the viewing plans of 77 per cent of those surveyed and that only 11 per cent of women will be rooting for Woods, compared with 18 per cent of men. Three-quarters said they had no preference.
Last month Woods apologised for marital infidelity in a live television address having taken a self-imposed break from the game in December following the publication of details about his private life.
“Women are not as embracing about his return or about his winning, which is not surprising, given the nature of his scandal,” said Rick Gentile, director of the poll.
The value of advertising spots during the Masters will increase by 43 per cent, according to Brad Adgate, director of research at New York-based ad company Horizon Media. With Woods playing, a 30-second commercial is worth $500,000 compared to $350,000 without him.
