We're the same age so I'll tell ya my thoughts. When I was growing up Golf was an afterthought (for my family) until Tiger came into the mix. He made the sport cool and just dominated everyone. It was Michael Jordan-esque or to put it in terms of the board - 2000-2002 Canes... must watch TV.
When his career turned, no one filled the void. Golf was missing the guy to make it worthwhile to watch. Tiger being back brings everyone back to being a kid when Golf was in its glory days. He's a scumbag in past actions, sure, but he is one of the more graceful athletes to ever get in issues like that. He owned up to everything in a very public and messy way.