The 2026 edition of The Masters Tournament marked a rare and symbolic shift as iconic golfers Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson were absent from the field. The last such instance predates the birth of current world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, underscoring the longevity of both legends. While their absence resonates globally as a turning point, its impact in India remains muted. Former golfer Indrajit Bhalotia notes that Woods’ influence on Indian golf has been limited, reflecting the sport’s niche positioning within the country’s broader sports economy.