Club-kicking Tiger Woods, who hasn’t won a golf major in nearly four years, tees off at the Masters at 10:45 this morning. After a poor 2nd round-75 Friday, he’s buried in 40th place, eight shots back of the leaders, Jason Dufner and 52-year-old Fred Couples (both -5).

The bad news for Tiger: When trailing majors after 54 holes, he’s 0-41. Even if Tiger were to shoot a 66 today before the leaders tee off, here’s the real bad news – there are 16 players tied or ahead of Tiger who have won a major. What are the chances everyone ahead of him struggles, and Tiger surges to the lead?

None.

And thus, the drought will continue. Sorry folks, regardless of how much you want it to happen, he’s not “back.” He never was “back.” Maybe he’ll win another major or two, but Jack’s record is safe. You’ve got to wonder if anyone of Tiger’s injuries will pop up today he really flubs the first nine holes. He’s quit before.

As for the rest of the leaderboard, there’s no point in getting excited about Dufner yet – the former Auburn walk-on has been known to start fast, but according to a stat on Sportscenter, he’s struggled in the final 54 holes. Couples is a great national story for the 50+ set, but CBS was already going to have the old folks tuning in Sunday.

There’s a logjam at -4 with three very compelling names: Dukes of Hazzard fan Bubba Watson, popular but Major-less Sergio Garcia, and probably the sport’s most popular young golfer, Rory McIlroy (who is dating one of the best female tennis players on the planet). Even if Tiger doesn’t rally, those three could produce some compelling Sunday afternoon Easter TV for the casual golf fan.

Previously: Can Top-10 Finishes in Golf Majors Give Us an Idea on Whether or Not Tiger Can Catch Jack?