Among the many interesting sub-plots of this year's Masters comes the return - and the possible redemption - of Tiger Woods.

Making his first appearance in three years, all eyes will be on the 42-year-old when he tees off on Thursday.

The fact that Woods hasn't won a major since the US Open in 2008 isn't likely to dampen the excitement of his comeback to a tournament in which he won consecutive titles in 2001 and 2002.

His last green jacket came in 2005; since then, it feels like it's been one thing after another in a career of controversy.

Both personal issues and injuries have taken their toll on the legendary golfer, yet it's testament to his status that he is still whipping up so much intrigue in 2018.

“Yeah, I’m really excited to play the Masters this week,” was his astute response when one reporter tried to play the card of bringing up some of his previous indiscretions.

For Woods to truly put the past behind him, he still has some work to do regarding how he is perceived in the public eye. However, he took another big leap on his road to Damascus in his dealings with 2017 U.S. Mid-Amateur winner Matt Parziale.

The amateur, from Brockton Massachusetts, is a full-time firefighter who qualified for the Masters and earlier this week, had the opportunity to play a nine-hole practice round with his hero, Tiger Woods.

Parziale has admitted the icon was the main reason he started playing in the first place, so he'll no doubt have been delighted with the letter he received from him after his victory in the US Mid-Amateur.

Woods' message to Parziale 

As per Woods' official website, he wrote:

“It’s very admirable that you’re a firefighter, too.

“The selfless and dangerous jobs of first responders are sometimes overlooked, but I want you to know that I’m grateful for all you do.”

On the course, he also spent time talking to his compatriot's father and giving him tips.

Perhaps it was his own amateur history that meant Parziale struck such a chord with him. Regardless, it's great to see him passing on his wisdom to the next generation.

On his own chances of Masters success, the 14-major winner is unsurprisingly staying humble for now. He was quoted by the BBC:

"I had a similar build-up in 2000 to 2001, what that tournament would mean, but it's the same thing. I have got to go and play and let the chips fall where they may."

How do you think Tiger will fare at the Masters? Have your say in the comments.