During the 1997 Masters, one of the most memorable moments—at least among golf insiders and fans—was a subtle, almost cinematic gesture by Tiger Woods’ caddie, Mike “Fluff” Cowan. While the 21-year-old Woods was on his historic path to winning his first major championship, Cowan stood calmly beside him, puffing on a cigarette. But it wasn’t just for a smoke break—Fluff was checking the wind.
With an effortless exhale, Cowan released a thin stream of cigarette smoke and watched its movement through the Augusta air. That wisp told him more than the rustling of pine needles or the flicker of flags ever could. It was a practical move, grounded in experience, but it also became an iconic image: the seasoned caddie supporting a rising legend in the most unassuming way possible.
The 1997 Masters was a seismic moment in golf history. Tiger Woods didn’t just win—he obliterated the field by 12 strokes, reshaping the landscape of the sport. But behind the scenes, Fluff Cowan’s quiet professionalism played a key role. Having worked with Peter Jacobsen before teaming up with Woods, Cowan brought years of insight, calm, and tactical precision to the bag.
The cigarette move embodied everything Fluff represented: old-school savvy meeting a new era of golf. At a time when Woods’ power and youth were stealing headlines, Fluff’s subtle nods to tradition grounded the moment in golf lore.
Their partnership wouldn’t last beyond 1999, but for a brief window—highlighted by that windy day in 1997—Cowan and Woods were a nearly unbeatable team. That image of Fluff, cigarette in hand, checking the wind, became symbolic of a changing of the guard: the old and the new working in perfect harmony to make history at Augusta Na
tional.