A Roaring Finish
How Tiger Woods, after years of disappointment and embarrassment, found it in himself to win golf’s greatest award with not power, but with grace
On April 14, 2019 in Augusta, Georgia, a 43-year-old man named Eldrick Tont “Tiger” Woods won the Masters for the first time since ’05.
Previously Woods was known as to be as his name implies; a tiger. He would drive the ball 400 yards and use his violent swing to make difficult shots. In addition, he was standoffish with those around him.
But that’s before the eight knee surgeries and four back surgeries. One being the infamous spinal fusion surgery. This surgery is known to be a death sentence for athletes, especially for golfers where the success rate is nonexistent.
During this time of uncertainty, Woods reputation off the golf course was in shambles. From his tumultuous marriage to his mug shot from a DUI he had in May, his life seemed it was heading towards a crashing end.
But things started to slowly change at the end of the 2018 golf season. At the Tour Championship at East Lake, Georgia, Tiger held a four stroke lead and won the tournament. This was Woods’ first PGA win since 2013.
“I can’t believe I pulled this off,” said Woods, when asked what his initial thoughts were about the win.
That momentum led Tiger to win the 2019 Masters. His first time winning the Masters since 2005. Besides him overcoming his demons outside the realms of golf the way in which he won truly shows how he has changed.
Traditionally Woods would win with power. But at this year’s Masters, he was tied 51st for driving accuracy and 73rd in putting. But when it came to greens in regulation percentage he was tied for second.
Woods golf club selection and his interaction with fans represented a more sincere Tiger. It is through this, he was able to not only win back his supporters, but also grab the attention of every sports fan.
Woods’ achievement, not only demonstrated what hard work and perseverance can bring, but also shows what it means to be humbled. He has had his past autopsied liked no athlete before him. But in the end, he did not allow it to defy him.
He just roared back.
