Although there will be no Tiger Woods at the Masters this year, Augusta National’s club chairman Billy Payne had to answer questions about the world’s No. 1 at his annual media address on the tournaments eve.

2014 Masters Live Stream Here or here

Payne was asked about any potential changes the rules committee had made to the rules, but no direct mention was made to the improper drop rule that cost Tiger Woods two strokes on the 15th home of the second round last year.

"The issue that you're addressing, I think that we made the right decision," Payne said. "I believe that the golf world has affirmed that. I know that some of you disagree with the decision. Nevertheless, I think it is important that we communicate quickly with people, as we have a serious matter under deliberation, and we're going to do that.”

The rule in question almost cost Woods the entire tournament, but the rules committee choose not to disqualify Woods due to a breakdown in communication. The rule the officials was Rule 33-7 which allows illegal scorecard disqualifications to be overturned if they believe the committee made a mistake.

"We have approximately 60 officials on the course, significantly more than any other tournament," he said. "We think we do it pretty good with the familiarity they acquire for the specific holes, some with as many as six officials on it. So we think the way do it is pretty good, which is not to say that we would never consider a change. But we kind of like the way we do it now."

The Masters will go on as planned, but Woods won’t be competing for the next few months. Woods finished tied for fourth in 2013 Masters and trailed winner Adam Scott by 4 strokes.

Give us a shoutout in the comments below and follow us @SportsWN and @Edler56