TIGER WOODS may not always have been everybody’s cup of tea but for millions around the world his historic 2019 US Masters victory will be a huge inspiration in their golf and in their daily lives.
Millions more non golfers around the planet will get drawn into his remarkable comeback story and think … maybe there is something to this golf after all.
All those golfing and non-golfing millions should at least at some point sit back and for a moment bask in the sheer joy felt by Woods – and the chanting thousands around him on the 18th green at Augusta National Golf Club – when he sank his short bogey putt to secure his 5th Green Jacket and 15th Major victory.
There is no question now that the 43 year old is the greatest golfer of the modern era.
Sure, like all of us Woods is an imperfect human being, and one that for more than a decade has struggled with personal, career and injury issues. A series of back surgeries have particularly helped fuel an 11 year Major drought.
Two years ago at the Masters champions dinner the prognosis was Woods may never play golf again.
Now with his patient, determined and courageous display in the 85th edition of the Masters he has thrown up one of the greatest comeback stories in the history of sport.
“I’m a little hoarse from yelling!’’ Woods said at the Green Jacket ceremony.
“I was just trying to plod my way around the golf course all day, just plod my way around. All of a sudden I had the lead. You know, coming up 18 it was just ‘try to make a five’. When I tapped the putt in, I don’t know what I did. I know I screamed. I was just looking for Joey (caddie Joe LaCava) somewhere. We had an embrace.
“To have my kids there, it’s come full circle. My Dad was here in ’97, and now I’m the Dad with my two kids there.’’
Woods is now just three majors behind the 18 win mark set by Jack Nicklaus, who was quick to congratulate the man who may yet overtaking his long standing record.
A big “well done” from me to @TigerWoods! I am so happy for him and for the game of golf. This is just fantastic!!! ??@TheMasters
— Jack Nicklaus (@jacknicklaus) April 14, 2019
Jason Day leads Aussies
After his earlier back concerns Jason Day had a storming final day to finish the best of the Aussies.
Day was just one shot off the lead when he signed for his 5-under 67 and ended up T5 at 11-under, just two behind Woods.
It was again a tournament of missed opportunities for the Australian contingent.
MASTERS LEADERBOARD
-13 Woods
-12 Koepka, D Johnson, Schauffele
-11 DAY, Simpson, Finau
-10 Rahm, Cantlay, Fowler
Other Australians
-6 Scott
1 Leishman
2 Smith