It’s been a couple of weeks, but who can argue about the Tiger Woods comeback. After years in the wilderness, facing personal difficulties and multiple back surgeries, it looked like this day would never come. But it did, with Tiger hunting down the leaders of the 2019 Masters, to once again don the Green jacket of Augusta National.
Having gone the last 10 years without a major win, the delight was clearly showing on Woods face post round. In what were very emotional moments shared with his family, the children actually seeing a major win in real life, rather than just a YouTube hero. I struggle to find many people, whether they are fans or haters, not at least a little joyous about the victory.
Woods swing was looking the best it has been in years. Gone (mostly) the wild swing trying to hit the ball out of the park, or more like keeping up with the younger generation. With a much better tempo, iron play was accurate. Long gone are any signs of the chipping yips, blading the ball across the green like a high handicapper.
There have been close moments over the years though. Without that unlucky ricochet off the pin on the 15th during the 2013 Masters, followed by the controversy of an incorrect drop, I felt it was a great opportunity lost. During the last two majors of the 2018 season, Woods was again in contention, clearly showing his competitive streak.
The win itself was clinical, showing experience really does pay at one of the Worlds most renown golf clubs. Playing the course and not trying to over power it, ensured Woods was never out of contention. Then when the nerves started to set in for his younger contenders at Amen Corner, Tiger pounced. A bit of maturity, maybe even nerves were evident on the last, chipping to the middle of the green and using the contours to feed the ball back towards the traditional Sunday pin. Most may have tried the more direct route, but with a two shot lead and ten years without a major win, it really was the only choice.
By far the biggest talking points of this win for me, Woods did not share or have the lead outright after 54 holes. For the previous fourteen major wins, this was the case. Up until his lost to Y.E. Yang at the 2008 US PGA Championship, you would have put the house on Woods not losing. That first loss almost seemed like a curse. But now it has been lifted and a psychological barrier smashed, in what I think maybe Tigers most potent stage of his career.
The next two major tournaments are both venues where Woods has been successful. The US PGA Championship at Bethpage Black, in what they must be thinking is a masterstroke in moving to an earlier date in the year. Then the US Open at Pebble Beach, where he won in 2000 by one of the largest margins ever in a major.
So lock in the dates for what could be a momentous year as Tiger starts the chase again to beat Jack Nicklaus 18 major record. And for Australians, get ready for the Presidents Cup, where Woods could become the first playing Captain. Tiger fever is back with a vengeance.
