Tiger Woods achieved his worst total (+13) in 24 participations in the Augusta Masters, after the 4th and last round on Sunday, nevertheless completing an unexpected and fascinating return to competition, thirteen months after the car accident which almost cost him a leg.
Despite this score which made him unscrew in 47th position, it is a feat that the 46-year-old American managed, by managing first to pass the cut, then to go to the end of the 72 holes.
Because he had narrowly avoided the amputation of his right leg, after his accident on February 23, 2021 near Los Angeles which caused him multiple open fractures which ultimately required inserting a metal rod in his tibia, and screws to strengthen the bones of the foot and ankle.
Tiger had been hospitalized for weeks and many wondered if he would even be able to walk normally again. He does better than that: he has become a golfer again.
The day before, his +6 card, his worst ever conceded in one day, had destroyed his dreams of a 6th coronation, which would have allowed him to equal Jack Niklaus to the rank of the most successful golfers in Georgia and to add a 16th Major to his record to get closer to the 18 of his glorious elder.
This time, Woods was no better, returning a 78, like Saturday. “I didn’t play my best, but having that support, I don’t think words can describe how I felt. It was amazing“, he confided.
The fans have indeed worn it throughout the mythical course where it has never dragged its leg despite the fatigue and certainly the pain. Even if, during his long walk, we saw him leaning on his cane several times and massaging his lower back with a back that was also tested after five operations undergone in recent years.
The immense champion that he is, which his score cannot deny, roared again at Augusta and he intends to do so again this year. Because only the anime wins. “I will only play big tournaments from now on, I can’t do full seasons anymore. I plan to be in St. Andrews (in Scotland, for the British Open in July, editor’s note). I won twice there, it’s a tournament close to my heart on my favorite course“, he said.
“As for the events scheduled on the calendar between now and then, I don’t know. I will do my best for the PGA Championship (2nd Major of the season) in Southern Hills (Tulsa, Arizona), as I did to come back here. We’ll see if my body will allow me“, he concluded.
It is the world N.1 Scottie Scheffler who won the Masters as a favorite, his first Grand Slam. The 25-year-old American finished with -10, three strokes ahead of the Northern Irishman Rory McIlroy, author of a fantastic but futile comeback and who will wait to add the only missing Major to his collection. The Australian Cameron Smith and the Irish Shane Lowrytied for third, finished at five units.
