Different but in no way devalued, though. For what these occasions never lose is the timeless nature of their challenge and the priceless nature of their prize. "I just hope they've taught the engraver how to put an asterisk on the trophy," was Geoff Ogilvy's perfect line in dry irony. This 2008 'asterisked Open' is one the Aussie would kill to win every bit as much as his 2006 'asterisked' US Open triumph, the one where Woods failed to make the cut.
Golf's problem with Woods being absent almost feels like one of a lack of self-belief. So heart-stoppingly dramatic was his farewell, hopalong tour de force in the US Open before the revelation that he'd be out for the rest of the year that it seems to have left the sport doubting its ability to thrive without his genius.
In a way, golf has learned to use Woods as its crutch, with sponsors, organisers and even his fellow competitors knowing they could always rely on him to generate the TV audience, the cash and global appeal. Yesterday, Els, sounding almost too reverential about Woods, deemed his absence a "big blow".
A blow to the Southport tourist board no doubt but surely not for players who, according to Nick Faldo last night, suddenly find themselves with "a great chance to step up and steal a few Majors before Tiger returns." Opportunity knocks deafeningly; Els believes up to 40 players in the field could win.
None, sadly, could be heard screaming about yet another question about Tiger and booming 'Stuff him, it's my time now!' but Lee Westwood should get marks for snorting: "Tiger makes no difference to me. If I win the Open, I won't give a monkey's if he was there or not."
Neither should any of them. There's a chance here for the sport to focus on new star potential instead of being forever in thrall to its Sun king. It's why there's been so much focus on Anthony Kim, the cocksure new Californian hope, even if the poor bloke has inevitably got stuck with the 'new Tiger' poisoned chalice.
What's been most indecent of all here has been the implication that there's nothing else which could now compare with the sort of sensational one-legged drama of Torrey Pines which Woods conjured. So good on Ogilvy for asking us to cast our mind back to the last time the Open came to these links when hardly anyone was left reflecting on Woods's charge for third place because they were too busy raving about the kid who'd earlier finished one place behind him.
"I'm pretty sure anyone who was on the 18th green when Justin (Rose) finished in '98 would say there was more electricity there than at Torrey Pines a month ago," noted Ogilvy, almost heretically. "But then you just don't know what story, like a 17-year-old guy nearly winning the Open, could happen. I mean, anything can happen in this tournament."
Quite right, Geoff. Want to bet that Woods won't be unduly missed? I'll see your Tiger and raise you a Jean Van de Velde.
