Break out the spy gear; Tiger's return is going to be a high-tech photo war

So Tiger Woods is making his glorious return at The Masters: A carefully crafted (by Ari Fleischer, no doubt) reemergence that just avoids media scrutiny for the practice rounds (the NCAA men’s basketball tourney championship game is on April 5), but gives Tiger the spotlight when live TV coverage begins (April 7). But since the Masters is heavily guarded by off-duty policemen and Orcs, no tabloid riffraff or fans with cameras will get in to bother our hero. At least that’s the plan.
But this is 2010, not 1989. If paparazzi want to get your picture or grab a few minutes of video, they are going to do it. If the new James Bond franchise has taught us anything, it’s that you can hide a camera anywhere.
Following the jump, several secret spy gadgets which could make you the next big Tiger Woods photographer at Augusta.

From Ryan Ballengee at Trailing Tiger:

While they may not be in plain sight at the venue of Tiger’s comeback, the papparazzi can still attend events. Ever read a Sky Mall catalog? They could buy a pen, keychain, watch, or sunglasses with a camera embedded in it. Effectively, they could get access to Woods without really needing much more than some B-tier spy gear.

So this got me to thinking, exactly how many gadgets are available for the aspiring Tiger Woods photographer? I contacted several nerds I know, and they pointed me to some commonly available items which may be smuggled in to Augusta by Tiger sleuths without much trouble. The Lone Gunmen approve.

* 16 MGB memory DVR hi-res keychain video camera. Records two hours on a single charge and internal flash memory stores up to six hours of Tiger taking a sip at the drinking fountain or pausing to chat near the ball washer. Cost: $119.

* Wireless color spy cam pen. (In British accent): “DO pay attentiopn, 007, this isn’t an ordinary pen …” Cost: $219.

* Wireless jean jacket camera. Look stylish and earn a hefty fee from Radar Online for your shots of Tiger at the men’s urinal on the 13th. Cost: $349.

* James Bond Zippo replica lighter camera. Includes “James Bond 19 day surveillance mode,” which is awesome. Cost: Not listed.

* Mini stick camera recorder with rechargeable battery. When someone asks “can I have a stick of your gum?”, the answer is always no. Buzz off, I’m recording Tiger. Cost: $89.

* Camcorder sunglasses with built-in digital recorder. If Elin is at the Masters, and you can somehow steal her sunglasses and switch them with these, you would pretty much rule everything. Cost: $375.

* Watch camera. Sir, do you have the time? Why yes, it’s time to record action photos of Tiger blowing off a kid seeking an autograph. Cost: $119.

* Spycam necktie. “Makes you look like James Bond.” No, it doesn’t. But suitable for our purposes. Cost: $66.

* Mini color CMOPS snake camera. At 0.18 inches in diameter, this camera can be placed virtually anywhere … especially places no Augusta security guard will dare to check without fear of a sexual harassment lawsuit. Cost: $309.

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Why it doesn’t matter when Tiger comes back [Trailing Tiger]