Tiger Woods: What happened? 

Professional golf. When some think of golf they may not consider it to be the most exciting sport in the world. Basically, you’re hitting a ball off a tee and if you don’t have a cart you have to do an awful lot of walking in order to progress around the course. Despite all of this however, the PGA does feature a number of phenomenal athletes. If you’re a fan of the game one name that comes to mind in today’s era is Tiger Woods.

Woods the most recognizable golfer on the planet has enjoyed a reign of dominance few have seldom enjoyed. However, the Tiger Woods of this era differs greatly from the player many of us saw reign supreme in the late 90’s and early 2000’s. Knee injuries, back surgeries and even a sex scandal that rocked his squeaky clean image to its very foundation Woods has been dealt quite a hand. For Tiger however, the big question is: Can he find his groove again and truly return to his dominant form? Quite frankly I’m not sure anyone even the man himself can answer that particular question.

Roar of the Tiger: Woods wins the Masters

It was never supposed to happen. Woods wasn’t even in the conversation, or for that matter contention. Yet, at Augusta National Golf course on a lone Sunday in April, Tiger managed to flip the script. The 43-year-old conjured up some indelible magic that was once commonplace. After an opening round of 70, Woods was four back on the first day, was one back after a second-round posting of 68 and was back just two shots after his third round of 67. A final round of 70 sealed the deal and Tiger captured green jacket number five, winning by a mere stroke.

For the first time since 2005, Woods raised the claret jug in victory. Rallying from behind to win majors was not customary for a player of Tiger’s pedigree. In fact, in his previous 14 major wins, he was either tied for or led after 54 holes. Five green jackets. Five. Winning one is hard enough, but five? It’s almost unheard of. It also puts Woods in rare air. With a fifth Masters title, Woods not only moved past Arnold Palmer but also put himself one behind Jack Nicklaus for most green jackets in Masters history.

By the way, despite the surprise of Woods victory he had 22 birdies, the second most in the field behind Xander Schauffele’s 25. He also led the field in greens in regulation hitting 58 out of 72 greens.

Comeback king?

Comebacks in professional sports are far from easy. There’s nothing fans love more than a great comeback story. A lot have been successful, others not so much. How could Tiger’s comeback be rated? I suppose it depends on who you ask. For fans, I’m sure they view Tiger even being in contention and playing at high level a wondrous sight to behold. The same could be said for fellow golfers as well. When Tiger plays at a high level it’s always good for the game of golf.

What about the man himself? Certainly his play at the Masters was brilliant and it showed. I’d say in that regard Eldrick Woods himself would say his comeback would be a success. Looks however, are often deceptive. Since the Masters his play has been very up and down. What does that mean? To break it down, after winning the Masters Woods missed the cut at the PGA Championship, finished in a tie for ninth place at the Memorial Tournament, finished tied for 21st at the U.S. Open and finally missed the cut at the Open. Not exactly stellar play after winning a major championship.

Now, does all of this mean Woods is done winning, or that he won’t win anymore major championships? If I had to guess I’d say he still has majors to win it just may not happen right away. Over the years I’ve learned it’s not wise to bet against Tiger Woods and I believe that still holds true even now.

A litany of injuries

Let’s face it athletes are prone to injury. There’s a stigma athletes are immune to injuries of any sort due to the condition they keep their bodies in. It happens and it happens more often than you might think even to someone as great as Tiger Woods. Now, you might be wondering how in the world can you possibly injure yourself in golf? I mean, all you’re doing is swinging a club! Well, yes and no. Golf is and can be physical. After all, you are twisting your body when you swing and sometimes hitting out of difficult hazards at obscure angles.

Woods’ injuries have been well documented. This is a man who has sustained a neck injury, knee injuries and who has endured four major back surgeries. You read that right, four major surgeries! How many athletes do you know are still able to compete at a high level after four major surgeries? Not many.

What’s next?

Injuries, a somewhat stalled comeback, all of it begs the question: What’s next, for Mr. Woods? He has three tournaments in the fall; the Zozo Championship, the Hero World Challenge and President’s Cup where we could be playing as the possible captain. Will he participate in all of them? I’d say it’s possible. How well will he do? We’ll just have to see.

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