Augusta – A career-threatening injury and scandal could not keep the legendary Tiger Woods away from the course. On April 14 (Sunday), Woods won the 83rd Masters, giving him 15 major titles with an unprecedented back-nine rally.
It has been 11 years since Woods joined a major, winning his first major title back in the 2008 US Open.
The 43-year-old whose name has been attributed to the sport of golf experienced a huge setback to his career in 2009 due to a sex scandal and then, once again with physical injuries.
Troublesome knee and back injuries resulted in a total of seven surgeries, his last being a spinal fusion surgery in 2017 for chronic back pain.
It was a spectacular comeback for Woods. He walked back to his family, his mother Kultida, children Sam and Charlie as fans chanted his name.
“It’s overwhelming just because of what has transpired. I was just lucky to be playing again.
“Now to be the champion — 22 years between wins is a long time — it’s unreal for me to experience this. I just couldn’t be more happy, more excited. I’m just kind of at a loss for words,” says Woods, for whom “it had come
For Woods, he added how much the tournament meant to him and his family.
With an imminent thunderstorm, the players brought their A-game on the course while the audience voiced their support and amazement at the stunning plays.
With his final-round two-under par 70 to finish on 13-under 275 for a one-shot victory, Woods took home the US$ 2.07 million (S$2.8 million) top prize and the ultimate symbol of success at the Masters Tournament: the green jacket.
“I can’t thank my family, friends and fans enough for their support. Having my family by my side today is something I will never forget. To not only be able to play again, but to be able to win again, is something I will forever be grateful for. This jacket sure is comfortable,” wrote Woods in his Instagram account.