The Remarkable Comeback of Tiger Woods
by Brandon Smith
“He’s no where close to where he once was and may never return to his top form.” -Stephen A. Smith
“He will never be that guy again” -Shannon Sharpe
“He’s D-O-N-E, done…Tiger Woods is trapped in golf’s no-man’s land” – Skip Bayless
Three quotes from some of North Americas most listened to sports personalities. As Tiger has always done to his critics; he made them eat their words.
It has been 1857 days since Tiger Woods has last won a golf tournament. That includes four back surgeries and one DUI during that span.
After an inspiring 5-under 65 on Saturday, Tiger stole the solo lead away from World #1 Justin Rose and took a three-shot lead heading into Sunday. Wearing his figuratively trademark red shirt-black hat-black pants final round outfit, the field must have known it was over before it started. He poured in a birdie putt on the first hole and never looked back. He carried a 5 shot lead onto the back nine. It was the Tiger of old. Intimidating to the point of just seeing his name on the leaderboard was enough to keep his competition at bay. Pure domination; seemingly untouchable.
After he stripped his ball down the middle of the fairway on the 18th hole, everyone knew he was not to be beat. The fans broke passed the fences and security guards to walk down the fairway following their idol. For the lucky fans who disobeyed, they will forever get to share that memory with the greatest golfer of this generation. A moment of reconciliation, for all the work Tiger has put in to get back on top, and all the support the golfing community has given him.
Tiger and golf are synonymous, golf needs Tiger. The Tour Championship TV ratings were up 206%, meaning three times as many people were watching compared to the Tiger-less tournament just one year ago.
Tiger and team USA are now in Paris, France, to take on team Europe in the Ryder Cup. Competitions start on Thursday. For the full schedule you can click here.
Go get ‘em Tiger
