My impression is it all goes to his ability to generate huge amounts of torque (and thus distance) due to his size and overswing. This gives him a couple of advantages:
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He can go to his shorter clubs which give more control and still get the distance the average pro gets with a club two or so lengths higher (yesterday he hit a 6-iron 225 yards like it was nothing, I’d use a 3-wood for that shot). So he’s landing on a green with a nine-iron when everyone else is trying to get the ball to stay on the green using the less loftier 7 for example.
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Because of the distance many of the bunkers, ponds, streams, etc. that are designed to trap players are simply not a factor in his game. He just goes right over them while others have to use a different club to lay up in front of them. You’ll notice that Augusta was somewhat sucessful in “Tiger Proofing” their course for this year’s Masters. Most of the golfer’s hated it (The Golden Bear decried the course for messing with tradition), so it wouldn’t surprise me if they change it back.
Add in his upbringing, work ethic, and focus and it’s no wonder he’s shattering records.