The billionaire won. I was beginning to get worried.
2
The athlete who happens to be well off won
3
I don't see any posts about how, in a time of extraordinary climate change, golf courses are a waste of water, better a forest than putting greens, etc., so let me be the first to castigate the entire golf industry for...
Just kidding. Not today. We can have that conversation another time. This day belongs to The Tiger.
6
the golf media has been shoving this eventuality down our throats for two seasons...it has been hard to bear. everyone knows that tiger brings in viewers and money...i see this as more a triumph for the golf industry than i do for tiger himself. tiger was the "victim" of his own choices. unlike ben hogan who was in a car accident.
8
@rpl:
Thanks, Debbie. . .
2
Give the champ a break. He did all the work, not the golf industry.
6
I hope the redemption in golf is matched by redemption and repentance of the person, for that would truly make it a triumph.
112
@MoneyRules
Give me a break. You don't even know the guy. The New York Times is notorious for its readers passing moral judgement on people they don't know. Repent yourself.
75
@MoneyRules, your tag says it all. Cast the first stone....?
26
@MoneyRules
Here's one you might like, and think about: "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone". Catchy, no?
38
We love to build our idols up just so we can tear them down. Makes great copy...
But what does it say about our culture?
I'm not sure I understand how Woods has "redeemed" himself from cheating repeatedly on his wife.
Yes, he's a great golfer, but I'm not sure that he's a great (or even a good) person. Is he?
12
And Trump too, right? Not “redeemed”...
@MB fortunately no one has appointed you God.
8
He entered a treatment facility after the scandal broke. While it’s entirely possible that this was done to appear apologetic and for optics alone, it’s also reasonable to assume that he had a genuine problem and took/is taking his recovery seriously.
3
This will be remembered as one of the best all time sports comebacks in history, until Colin Kaepernick gets his starting job back in the NFL.
45
@Erica Smythe thank goodness that will NEVER happen!
3
@Erica Smythe You said it, Erica!
1
Look I’m glad the dude won. His kid hugged him. He had to tell his kids way back that “daddy made mistakes”. His daughter was two and his son a newborn. His wife chased him out of the house with a golf club when she found out he’d been cheating and that chase ended with him crashing his car because he was high on ambien and vicodan. He was lucky he didn’t kill anyone including himself. His wife had to endure even more humiliation when it came out he’d been with even more women, at least 14. From a restaurant hostess to an exotic dancer. He’s a flawed, flawed man who won a golf tournament. He’s tried to make up for all the mistakes he’s made. But by no means should little boys or fathers promote Tiger Woods as a man to look up to. He hasn’t brought about world peace or cured cancer or fed the homeless. All he didWas had a little white ball into a little tiny hole.
22
@MyrnalovesBland Fair enough. He is not perfect, and has perhaps made more mistakes than you or I. But this is about golf, and his place in the game, which he has just taken a gigantic step in re-solidifying.
13
I wonder if he’ll wear his green jacket the next time he plays with Donald Trump.
Forgive me, but not among the adoring ‘patrons’. Woods should dedicate the win to Charlie Sifford.
Sorry, just can’t get past Augusta’s racist history.
10
@Liberty Apples you don’t play in the jacket, silly!
2
It's just golf for gosh sake. A pastime for older overweight middle aged people who can barely walk. Even Trump plays, sort of. Hard to call golf a sport. Paying someone millions of dollars to chase a small ball around a grassy lawn and roll it into a hole makes no sense.
14
@Mike Pasemko To me it makes better sense than paying millions of dollars to a landlord who is destroying the lives of countless families
16
@Mike Pasemko Do you play golf? Do you think golf is an easy game? What is your handicap?
The players get paid because people watch golf. This in turn leads to the generation of revenue (e.g., grounds passes, TV contracts, corporate sponsorships, and so forth).
I don't care much for American Football, but it is still a sport with plenty of money in it. Tiger has earned his place in history and the game of golf irrespective of whether you like him or the game.
11
Lighten up Mike, geez.
3
Let’s put things in perspective. Something for the ages, is, if Bernie becomes president.
3
So is the guy who talked his wife into naming their soon-to-arrive son after Tiger Woods if he won going to have a little Tiger or a little Eldrick?
I know that most people will be thrilled. Not me. Woods was married with children and was a serial cheater. I find him every bit as disgusting as Donald Trump. I hope he never catches Nicklaus.
No, I do not hate him. Nor do I hope he never achieves any success. But his behavior was not just "a mistake." He cheated again and again. I will not celebrate anyone who conducts his life in such a despicable and reprehensible manner. He is no hero. At least not to me.
36
@concernicus I will root for him. Yes, he committed serious transgressions but, they were private and 10 years ago. He has behaved, by all accounts, responsibility since and second chances are fundamental. Should we judge people at their lowest? And make that judgment permanent?
135
@Concernicus. I understand your perspective. I too have issues with his past transgressions and utter lack of good character, but I believe people deserve a chance to recover for their mistakes. I think his performance over the past 10 years demonstrated how the whole person is needed to compete at the championship athletic level. He was broken but managed to heal himself. I recognize this doesn’t erase what he did, but I believe his recovery is not only good for him... it is also positive for his children and his ex-wife. Bravo!
35
@Concernicus Goodness what self-righteous, judgmental, high-handed snobbery. Who can say that he or she has never caused other people pain? Even people they love and made promises to? If you want to split hairs and call his sins worse than mine or your own, then Hopeless is a perfect place for you to live.
He did behave despicably at one time and had to have his not-insignificant errors and egregious behavior splashed all over newspapers and magazines and tv screens. How well would you handle it if any sins of yours were played out in such a public and humiliating way? Unless you're practically perfect in every way, count your blessings and keep your uncharitable and heartless comments to yourself.
66
Oh goody, another bout of rampant Tigermania and hyperbole.
Just what the country needs to take our minds of Mr President.
4
Alex Honnold he ain’t.
Let’s leave it at that.
1
Tiger Woods has made an amazing comeback, and I have no problem with him receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
But I am saddened to learn that he will be receiving it before Roy Cohn, without whose very able assistance the President wouldn’t be enjoying his freedom now.
https://www.wsj.com/articles/trump-to-award-tiger-woods-the-presidential-medal-of-freedom-11555350329
https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2017/06/donald-trump-roy-cohn-relationship
1
Tiger Woods has won the Masters. Somehow - and despite everything - all's right with the world.
1
The U.S. spends or rather wastes its time salivating over sports and entertainment figures who give nothing to society in return.
So Tiger won. Who cares?
5
Tiger will throw away his celebratory victory the moment he enters the White House to meet with Trump.
If he does that, I hope he never wins another tournament.
2
setting the dcr didn't work out very well. result spoiled at lunch, recording started at with Tiger at the 17th. rats.
I love golf, although I don't play anymore because of my age and poor back. I was just enthralled with the Masters this Sunday. I've been watching Tiger's career since it's inception. His hometown, Cypress, Ca., is just a stone's throw from where I used to live. His win this Sunday is a prime example of what an individual can do when he puts his heart, mind, talent and extreme hard work into a goal. I don't know how he did it, with his severe and extreme back pain, because I will tell you sometimes I can hardly walk, much less play golf. He has suffered a great deal, and he has a lot of courage. We can all learn from his struggle to succeed in our own lives.
2
42 may be old for football, but surely not for golf, one of the most sedentary sports along with curling and the like.
1
Our heroes reflect the times. Once we had heroes like Ted Williams who lost 6 years of his career to military service, a fighter pilot in Korea, a man who gave money back to the organization when his year didn’t measure up to his standards. Now we root for a guy whose main concern is making as much money he can.
3
How great to read about Michael Phelps' helping role and understanding friendship to Tiger.
I have admired Phelps' for being so upfront about mental health and substance abuse issues in past few years. I hope Tiger might take a similar public stance going forward.
Between these two champions, much good could be accomplished. Shine a light on these devastating -- and too prevalent problems. Solutions may follow.
3
Trump is a hypocrite in offering congratulations to Tiger. Trump cheats at golf!
3
Tiger Wood's Tale Stirs Today
Tiger Wood's wins the Masters today*
Another green jacket comes his way*
Finally, his image stands large at the doorway*
For it's been a knock and a hiatus of his cache*
As the years after 2008 suffered from his play*
No major championships one can say*
Only gossip headlines, mugshots, and injuries in gray*
Where once a phenom in his twenties on display*
Such greatness and legend his star headway*
His mid-thirties saw some of his luster fall in dismay*
With mostly self-injury to his ego in disarray*
It was hard watching a once proud man's fall and decay*
Especially one that held his world at bay*
With his swagger, swoosh, and shine turning to clay*
And like a good drama of accents and descents convey*
With the wait and weight on his shoulders belay*
He turned the storybook pages of dismay today*
The pressure of his swing, swing, and putt on display*
And how he uncorked his demons is a pure bouquet*
After 43 years of his years, he took the fairway*
Running, running, today after his prey*
It was great seeing his game not get away*
LR
3
It felt like it was meant to be. Tiger bogeying the 10th set him up to play last on the 12th tee, rather than first. His ball would be dry either way based on his tremendous amount of experience, but him going first on 12 would give a lot of information to Molinari and Finau, who are rather inexperienced. Teeing off before Tiger, the wind got to both of them and the rest is history. Congrats, Tiger! You've shattered the last confidence barrier in your game - being able to come from behind in a Major on Sunday! I'm so looking forward to the rest of the Majors this year. I think they'll be even more exciting than last year's close calls at The Open and PGA Championship.
1
What a great day for Tiger and for all of golf.
Tiger has done more for golf than almost anyone else in modern times, so this Masters win is all the more sweet. I have followed him throughout his professional career, and must say I have not seen his equal, and I’m in my eighth decade. The one thing that stands out in my mind is one of his US Open appearances. I think it was 2006, and here was Tiger hobbling through the final few holes on a painful leg. Not just any pain. He had a broken leg, yet he not only completed that major, he won it. What a guy.
6
Tiger defined for the rest of us what it means to have the heart of a champion. His eyes and his hairline may reveal his 43 years. His courage and his youthful grit are irrefutable. Life is hard but on some rare occasions some people in a rarefied air are just too extraordinary to miss or ever forget. Tiger is one of those people who on that weather threatening Sunday we had the privilege to see victorious over father time and shame, irrespective of the huge price.
5
My sentiments are similar to others. One additional thought: he could do a lot of good by supporting women's golf right now. Saying a few supportive words with symbolic gestures even could help boost their sport (after men's gold has received so much attention and money).
4
How much did he tip his caddy?
3
There is no quit in this man. The worst pain I have ever endured in my 73 years was back pain and his was a lot worse. That lack of quit had found him on the practice tee repeatedly twisting that spine since chilhldhold. It is a deleterious movement that impacts the spine of many golfers as it did Jack Nicklaus. The spine he used yesterday was fused following not one but three back surgeries. Tiger had survived public humiliation over philandering and then the threat in the midst of his back pain and aging body that he would never pick up another club. He taught us all something about getting up off the mat with that too rare quality, courage. He showed us how much love remained in his heart for his children and the for sport he would not relinquish. Sunday he gave us a memory that will never fade.
10
@Curiouser
Very well said, I too suffer from back problems and it has been the most severe pain I have ever had. I cannot imagine how Tiger struggled through the pain. He has a lot of courage, determination and love for this sport. Sunday, he remined many people of how to follow a dream and search within yourself to reach your goal with extreme hard work, despite pain, and suffering. We all need to be reminded of what we can accomplish sometimes. Bravo, Tiger Woods!
3
Ooh he plays golf. What resilience! Do the servants bring him an Arnold Palmer on the third hole when he gets out of his cart?
Call me when he plays a sport.
2
I suppose there are people who actually care about this, but does it really deserve all of this fanfare? I see no indication that he has changed as a person from the behavior and attitudes that brought him down initially. So who cares that he can do a good job of hitting a little ball with a long stick? Why, in America, with all of the problems we face, does that even matter? He needs to do something that makes there world a better place to find redemption.
6
@voyager2
Yesterday, Tiger Woods made this a better place because of his accomplishment. He reminded all of us that we as individuals can aspire, that we as individuals can succeed if we work hard enough, try hard enough and sacrifice to reach our goals That is why it matters.
2
When Tiger Woods ran towards the most important people in the world to him, his son and daughter, every father in the world felt what he did.
Congratulation, Tiger Woods.
What a win.
What a comeback.
3
Good for him!!!! I am very, very happy for Tiger. If I were him I would wear that new green blazer night and day for a month. Enjoy your victory, Tiger!! You earned it. #resilience #TigerWoods
3
20 years ago Tiger was a great golfer, always in the mix. Then he wasn't. Sunday, he entered a new realm as one of the greatest golfers the game of golf has seen; along with Mr. Jones, Nicklaus, Mr. Hogan, etc. History was truly made in Augusta, GA Sunday 4/14/2019.
2
Americans love a comeback story and Tiger Woods' is the mother of all stories. What's admirable about him is that he plays every hole very seriously even when he knows he won't win. I like that he focuses on golf - have yet to hear him spout off about social or political issues. Despite the long drought of victories and false starts, he has something that draws crowds tournament after tournament and many of the fans were too young to know him at his heyday. One tournament recently where he came in second, the media and fans paid him more attention the winner. Come to think of it, don't remember who won! Obviously he has something extra- you don't keep such a loyal following for this long by just being a good player. Sunday was an inspiring game.
2
I am not moved, affected, or at all interested in what a stranger does on a manicured lawn thousands of miles away from me.
“Heroism” on a golf course? Absurd. “Courage” exemplified by a self absorbed billionaire? Nonsense.
The glorification and promotion of empty celebrity is emblematic of the superficial, juvenile, and meaningless nature of contemporary American life. All of it promoted and marketed by an equally vacuous celebrity machine - the media.
9
@Space needle “Give me circus”, worshiping athletes is nothing more than a distraction from empty lives.
1
The Tiger is back!!! Great job!!!!
Too bad we don't have a time machine so we could see a match between a young Bobby Jones and a young Tiger Woods.
This was awesome.
Two names came to mind as I watched Tiger reap the glory he so much deserved. DiMaggio and Mantle. Joe left at the top of his game. As I youngster at Yankee stadium I watched Mantle at his best and, sadly as he limped through his final days, the mention his his name over the PA system sending a tingle down my spine, however the sight of a player so broken was like a punch in the gut.
I wish Tiger everything he wants. I hope I shall remember the glory of this tremendous victory, the memory not sullied by him missing cuts, failing to make the most make-able of putts.
1
Such a great win by a truly great champion who has shown us all what it means to persist in the face of great physical and emotional challenge. I always hoped he would win another Major and how appropriate that it was at this year’s Masters where he first won in stunning and unforgettable fashion in 1997. I was lucky enough to have seen him there 22 years ago with my good friends from grad school. We loved every minute of our experience back then and to see him win again over 20 years later? Wow! Congratulations, Tiger!
He did NOT bogey the final hole, he made par.
Life gets very hard sometimes, almost impossible, but if you keep going and move forward, anything is possible. (Natural talent doesn’t hurt either!)
He said he would and he did. That’s how you do that. It was always going to happen at The Masters, nowhere else, for his next major.
Yes....!!
@Colleen
Not that it matters, but he did bogey 18 yesterday.
https://www.pgatour.com/players/player.08793.tiger-woods.html/scorecards
The only remaining question - Does Chadwick Boseman play Tiger in the movie?
I don’t usually follow golf, but couldn’t budge from my chair. Tears came to my eyes when Tiger won.
Just SO magnificent!
STUNNING!!
Who's playing Tiger in the movie about his fabulous recovery to rise again to the top of his game?
Tiger's victory was compelling theater of religious proportion. It had everything, all the elements of mythology coming to life: a dream-like space of intense beauty, in which a battle with great adversaries is fully engaged, a warrior's intelligent strategy and physical prowess; the return of a fallen hero, redemption, drama, adoring congregants in the Church of Golf cheering him on, and finally, his release of emotion and the crowd's chanting of the hero's name. A storybook finish and a happy ending. All Hail the Return of Tiger!
1
Congratulations to Tiger ! An inspiration for all of us
1
Since the beginning of time, an athlete can win his freedom through victory on the playing field but that has nothing to do with his true character.
2
I always wondered if Tiger woods injuries like his marital woes were not self inflicted. At first he blamed a change in his swing. I believe his body started falling apart when he started to put on muscle mass while seeing Alex Rodriguez's dope doctor for a knee injury.
May be Golf and muscle don't mix.
2
When that security guard accidentally slipped and fell into Tigers ankle, Tiger didn't even react except to say "accidents happen." That little encounter spoke volumes about Tigers current frame of mind. Extraordinary moment in American sports history. Congrats Tiger!!!
4
Spectacular win !!
2
I am also happy for Tiger and it was wonderful to see him greet his kids that way
Its the way this article depicts his downfall 10 years ago that troubles me
Its not that his life "went south" as if he were some kind of victim. His own dishonesty and dangerous no-protection sex that endangered his wife was "what happened" to him
As long as we distort history in this way for men more peoples lives are going to keep "going south".
3
It's often said that what separates athletes, in whatever sport, from the rest of us mere mortals is their steely-eyed competitive drive. Michael Jordan, for one, hated to lose even a casual pick-up game with a bunch of gym rats. Tom Brady, no matter what you may think of him, is as tough as nails in games that really count. Mariana Rivera, for years, wanted the ball with the bases loaded, to quell any and all uprisings.
The pro golf tour is made up of highly skilled, and very nearly pathologically driven individuals who compete not so much against each other, but with themselves and their emotions. Those who win consistently are those who are at peace with their emotions.
For Tiger Woods, supremely talented, the comeback was all about returning to physical form, but also regaining emotional equilibrium, to stop beating himself, doubting himself, questioning himself, and instead reaching for everything he had in order to master a terribly difficult game at the highest level of personal achievement.
What we were all lucky to see yesterday was a man, fully formed, once again.
2
MADE MY DAY!!! Good thing DO happen!
In a world of bad news everyday, this warms my heart. Congratulations Tiger’, you are a true champion!
1
Surprised to see how many commenters see this as an “American” story. It is that, but so much more, and it is sorely needed at this time.
Like any person who overcomes adversity, he deserves our respect.
2
I'm an 82 year woman and I always thought golf was a silly easy game and had no interest in it. Until I watched Tiger Woods play. And I was hooked. Mesmerized by his concentration, his determination, and skill. So I began to learn more about the game and realized how incredibly difficult and complicated it is. Regardless of his flaws in his private life, and the bad reputation he gathered, he prevailed. And that took a heap of courage. Bravo!
43
I watched Tiger win the US Amateur when he was 18 in 1994. He proceeded to win the US Amateur the next two years before turning pro in the Fall of 1996. Tiger won 2 of those tournaments in the Fall of 1996...setting the stage for 1997. That's the year Tiger not only won the Masters...but he won by 12 shots! The other pros were left astonished and humbled by that performance. The golf world had never witnessed such a level of domination. The Masters' committee proceeded to move back the championship tees at Augusta to "Tiger-proof" the course!
The young, athletic golfers of today (Koepka, Johnson, McElroy, etc.) were motivated to pursue golf seriously because of Tiger and the effect he had on the game of golf.
Tiger's comeback began with his win at the Tour Championship last year at East Lake. Now Tiger will have his sights set on the US Open Championship which will be at Pebble Beach. By the way, in 2000 Tiger won the US Open at Pebble Beach.... by 10 shots.
I'm not expecting Tiger to win in 2019 against the "young bucks" of today... but it would be special, wouldn't it?
1
In 2016, Wright Thompson of ESPN wrote an expose of Tiger's obsession with training with Navy SEALS in an homage to his father's dream. He ruined his body for golf and anything else in so doing. It is not a story I've often heard told.
As an avid fan, it was a win I'd never thought I'd see again. Especially after reading that article. Hard work both mentally and physically brought Tiger to this miraculous win. Also being a father himself.
1
If there was any doubts about how good Woods was, his return to the top of his sport after his career threatening back injuries removes them. Many very good golfers have their promising games derailed by lesser physical maladies. I was convinced, before this last weekend, that he would never win a major again. I was happy to be proved wrong.
Woods was perhaps the ultimate example of an athlete tumbling from the undeniable pinnacle of his sport to a total has-been. Yesterday was the greatest refutation of a seemingly permanent ignominious place in sports history that we have ever seen - and may see ever.
4
Tiger Woods’ struggle with physical and personal adversities reminds us all that self-reflection, courage, determination, and very hard work can bring redemption and victory. (Of course it also helps to be supremely talented!)
I believe his victory resonates so strongly with us because it gives us hope that we, too, can overcome seemingly impossible obstacles and find joy again.
Congratulations to a true champion!
4
One of the best finales I have ever seen. And I don't even like golf. To watch Tiger win is a sheer joy!
3
Tiger’s victory is a classic triumph over tragedy—he created himself as king through discipline, hard work and cultivation of great natural talent then fell from grace due to his own failings (tragic flaw). Seemingly physical and emotional suffering tempered him and he has arrived a wiser and better man.
Excellence in golf cannot be faked. You can’t blame a loss on an opponent or team-mates. You are always ever playing against your own best self, against time, tide and mind. You can snatch defeat from the jaws of victory and vica versa, and it’s there for all to see. (Cheaters aren’t playing golf, and they just don’t get the game....) It also requires that you be in two antithetical states at once—completely relaxed and totally focused.
Every injury has required Tiger to change his game to find his best; he has had to dig deep and lose a lot—on the course and in his life—to gain all that he has. And rarest of all, he is a tragic hero who has survived his tragedy. His first embraces off the course went to his children and mother and complete his extraordinary odyssey. Who among us could have worked so long, endured so much failing or self-inflicted pain/humiliation, and had the courage and spirit to keep going? Compassion and congrats are in order.
8
The look on his face in this photo says it all.
I deeply feel almost as thrilled for Tiger Woods as he feels himself. I am so dang proud of him.
Best comeback story - ever! And a victory obtained without the use of any enhancement drugs. Just plain hard word, determination, talent and a little bit of luck.
8
The sport of golf is badly in need of a shot in the arm. The players no longer have any personality whatsoever. Where are the characters? They all seem stamped out and lifeless. The CBS announcers used to bring wit and insight to the game. No more. They are a marvelous cure for insomnia.
Where are the Greg Normans, the Seve Ballesteros, the Fuzzy Zoellers?
It is no secret that golf is losing popularity among the young who find it all much too dull. Have to agree with them for once.
Maybe Woods can be a kind of adrenaline shot to this once exciting sport. His is a compelling story.
2
@Plennie Wingo
Well, it's not a sport, but thanks.
The adulation and accolades for Mr. Woods's sports comeback pretty much sums up our culture. Winning. Unimaginable sums of money. Moral turpitude. Betrayal of his spouse. A FINE example for his children and the children of the world. I'll join the adoring crowd when he donates the bulk of his fortune to fighting sex trafficking or teaching men and boys to respect women and girls.
14
@Prudence
In general, scolding is obnoxious and ineffective. No one's demanding that you enjoy Tiger's victory, and no one cares that you want to deny others the pleasure.
2
@bob
If you don’t care what prudence says don’t comment on it, she has a good point.
1
Tiger still has the talent. The last 10 years really wrecked him. I'm sure he's been fighting demons, regrets, remorse, and maybe now he has done enough contrition to cleanse the spirit/soul. Il will still be rooting against him in every major though. I hope he never catches Jack, the best player ever, and a fine human being and family man. But congrats to Tiger. I used to feel the same way he did with the carnal stuff, but fortunately, that decreases with age. Unfortunately, so does your golf game. LOL
2
I feel better today than I did yesterday morning. Funny how a observing a little bit of heroism, grit and just plain old "git-it-done," can give you a lift.
4
So happy for him.
1
In the age of Donald Trump, great things happen!
@George Orwell
yeah, something like that...
Who doesn't love a comeback story? We've been waiting for this. So many people had written the man off... including me. What happened at The Masters was like a fairytale story. It was like a Hollywood movie script. When the movie hit the theaters there would be the usual superlatives by the reviewers: "a triumph of the human spirit." Well, it was. It wasn't make believe. It was real, and how sweet it is!
5
Great for golf and great for Tiger. Listening to the young guns comments about his win were the most entertaining. They know what he did for the game and now that it looks like he got game, they know what they need to do to step up as well.
1
I admit right off the top that I never thought Tiger Woods would win another major golf tournament, much less the Masters, again.
I'm glad Tiger Woods proved me wrong,
4
He was washed up, completely. I was sure of it. Not just because of the injuries, but the ambition-killing wealth, on top Not to mention myriad personal, um, issues. He himself accepted the reality of his loss of mojo. And he's 43! Respect.
10
So happy for Tiger Woods to be back at the top of his game. Golf needs him. The thrill of watching a truly great golfer was back today.
4
Go Tiger! Nice to have you back!
1
If it was a movie script, it would have been rejected.
A M A Z I N G !
4
Surprised that this article missed one of sports' very biggest stars - Roger Federer
3
I cannot help but wonder how many of the commenters here hating on Mr. Woods for his past marital transgressions also continue unabated in their fervent support of Donald Trump. It takes a special kind of mind to exhibit such rank hypocrisy. After his stirring victory Tiger exhibited a grace and humility that the president has never and will never achieve. Besides, he cheats at golf.
12
@Chuck Burton
Both are the dregs of humanity both made it to the top of their profession, I’m only impressed by men who treat their wife’s well.
1
His victory was not merely on the course but over the shallow platitudes of dime-a-dozen naysayers. Congratulations to an inspirational legend.
1
In a way I prefer the mean, tough unbeatable Tiger of old. The glare, the intimidation tactics, but above all the wizard-like shots were riveting to watch. I really enjoyed sensing the shadow of that old self showing up on the 12th hole.
Agree New American. Tiger has been through so much, some of his own making. Some not. Good to see him happy in this picture ...
1
I've enjoyed watching golf on TV. When Tiger, fell from grace in the sporting world, his sponsors couldn't run fast enough toward the exit doors. He was a bum. Without a 'star' to follow, I became disinterested, although I did not enjoy commentators jumping off Tiger's bandwagon.
Today, however, he seems to have restructured his life and his golf. I'm interested to see how many of his former sponsors are waiting in line to re-engage with him.
I'm also thinking Robert Kraft will be given a lot more leeway.
I've been pulling for Tiger for quite some time. His physical health problems aside, I do believe in the benevolence of forgiveness and the power of redemption. His recent behavior has earned him both. May Tiger make it to number 19.
11
Well done Sir. Your courage through extreme pain over the years has been an inspiration for me. Your never give up attitude has inspired me. Thank you.
6
First I’m very happy that Tiger won his 5th Masters and 15th Major Championship. I’ve wanted him to win again, to get back to the top. But to say that Tiger is on the same level as Lebron James and Serena Williams is ludicrous. Those two can’t come close to the world elite athlete stardom as Mr Eldridge Tiger Woods. Please don’t compare those childish athletes to Tiger.
I had tears in my eyes as he walked up the 18th fairway. I was so happy for him and all that he’s had to endure the past 10 years. I don’t believe many people could have overcome all that and returned to being the best they are. I wish him the best in the years to come.
6
Who amongst us was not wishing for this fairy tailed ending. In a individual sport arguably the most competitive in all of sports where steely resolve hold the keys to victory similar to the team sport baseball, slow the game down.
Tiger Woods dominated golf for ten years surely on a path to surpass Jack Nicolas as the all time great in golf. After ten long years not many thought he would win again but win he did at 43 years if age. The Tiger is back and with just three majors shy can he cement his legacy as one of the greatest.
Good luck Tiger, we missed you.
5
Extremely well-written story. Congratulations.
6
Tiger made it seem so easy. Then he made it seem so hard. People love watching sports because it is often a metaphor for life with its ups and downs, thrills and spills. But you get up and win on another day. Congratulations Tiger for the most precious win of all.
5
Golf is a mental game as much as a physical one. I firmly believe Tiger lost his mental edge when the divorce happened followed by myriad injuries. The amazing thing is his perseverance in the face of ridicule over his failures. The fact that he overcame his own inner demons to become a champion once more is amazing. Here is a model for all us self-doubters whether golfers or not!
7
What Tiger accomplished today is beyond belief and imagination. I couldn't even have dreamt of this. He has proven once again no matter how down and out you are, with steely resolve and determination, you can make the impossible possible. My hats off to the best player ever to play golf.
3
It is the truly great that stand on principle and see what others do not. Tiger you believed that you could win again when everyone else, including me thought that you were done. Thanks for never giving up on yourself and proving all the doubters, including me that we were wrong. Congratulations.
Well deserved! Tiger's triumph proves men can rise above any adversity.
3
Great news for Tiger and golf.
Even better news for Nike - resilient in their support-and TV ratings. I would be curious to know how many more viewers joined for the last two hours.
Now, can he win more? You bet he can. Think of the number of short puts he missed by inches, that would have fallen when he was, not long ago, the best in the world on the greens. This is not so hard to fix, with his confidence back. He could have won that one by 10 strokes.
What he should do as well is calm down with his driver. Trade some distance for accuracy. He is so good with his irons that he would end-up saving strokes. Less acrobatic par savings. More birdies.
This young, new champion sure has potential !
1
"Who's better?" is a common question friends ask comparing teams or athletes from different eras. Tiger's dominance beginning 24 years ago spawned a generation of Tiger wannabes — athletic, physically fit, and professionally managed. His victory at the Masters was against a younger, more athletic field than he faced in the past. We can now say that Tiger was better then and now. Well done, Tiger. Well done.
2
Congratulations, Tiger!
I do celebrate your victory, your triumph and your determination . Hats off , the tiger is back and we all first salute the man and then the champion.
People already forgetting how terrific Molinari played here. Saturday was practically a flawless display under pressure. The bunker shot he played on 18 is one of the hardest shots in golf. Woods in fairness got away lightly with his wild drives into the trees, esp on Saturday. He always seemed to have a clear shot to the green after a bad drive, apart from the 10th yesterday where he had to take his punishment and chip back out on the fairway. It was a pity for Molinari that he was first up on the 12th tee. Obviously he should have played for centre of the green like Woods did and showed perhaps bit of Masters inexperience there at a crucial moment. Woods showed superb composure and mental strength the last few holes but would have been interesting if Koepka had holed that relatively easy putt for birdie on 1 which was definitely his worst stroke of the day. Brilliant won all the same but let's not forget the other players in the script.
3
Molinari choked on #12. He was in charge before that point
Wow! Go Tiger! I am so proud of an American man in his 40s making a comeback.
1
Thank you Tiger Woods for a wonderful tournament and fantastic win. I was sobbing when you birdied 16. I prayed and asked God to help you to win. I have waited for a long time for you to win another green jacket. Augusta National "Tiger Proofed" the tournament to ensure that you would not win 10 or 11 Masters as Jack had predicted. For a change, people who don't watch golf tuned in. At long last, redemption. The fans roaring "Tiger" were inspiring. Congratulations for a well deserved victory through hard work, back surgery and perseverance! Your smile was beautiful to see and you obviously appreciate your family and friends, and yes, you made many people around the world happy today. Congratulations!
2
The world is a better place with Tiger’s win. Thank you for leading the way and inspiring all of us.
2
How awesome was it that cell phones were banned?! What a unique chance for the patrons to be “in the moment” as the day unfolded. The drama as the big leaderboard on 18 was periodically updated (and the roar as Tiger’s score rose to the top) was a true throwback - and something those lucky people will never forget. We need more of that!
8
Agreed. The two days I was lucky enough to attend, I did not miss my phone
3
The victory by Tiger Woods in Augusta was richly deserved, but it was highly improbable. His fifth Masters win was surprising for reasons other than his age and his history of terrible back pain from botched or ill-advised surgeries.
Tiger Woods had never come from behind to win in one of the majors, and many people thought that he could not win unless he began the final round in a position of dominance. The experts said Tiger needed to be in front so that he could intimidate competitors.
The more valid reason for being shocked at the Woods victory at Augusta National is the fact that a large group of amazing young players – most of the best in the world and some surefire superstars of the future – filled the leaderboard on Sunday.
Even the biggest fans of Tiger Woods felt that he could outplay four or five of those young players, but we assumed that someone out the dozen near the top of the board would emerge and win.
Tiger is definitely back, but even if he does not win another Masters or another major, Sunday was enough to ensure his legacy of courage, talent and hard work.
6
Phenomenal achievement. As for the mention of Serena Williams in the paragraph about global sports icons, Tiger's win is more reminiscent of Roger Federer's at the 2017 Australian Open. It is also surprising why Lionel Messi, a gifted player but one who has time and again disappointed when playing for Argentina, is mentioned in the same breath as champions who have won trophies across competitions and continents.
1
For the last ten years, Tiger has been in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons; his infidelity, the public breakup with his ex-wife, an auto accident, charges of DUI and substance abuse. But in the end, people agree that he still deserves a second chance.
But let's not forget that second chances are not just for sports stars or celebrities. There are tens of thousands, and maybe hundreds of thousands, of people who also deserve a second chance. Celebrity should not be a prerequisite to forgiveness.
Great job Tiger. Arguably one of the great moments in sports.
20
To be sure - to the world - this is what talent, freedom, resilience, redemption, and opportunity - regardless of race - all the opportunity in the world, our values - looks like in America.
8
Few sports accomplishments have been so thoroughly shared and rooted for by other humans who also have fallen and worked to rise again. A glorious day for all of us, but especially for Tiger.
18
Back in the day my son was a fine golfer and as a result was invited to Sports Illustrated’s Sportsman of the Year event. Tiger won the award and amid the celebration at the Hayden Planetarium we asked if we could meet him. Amazingly, on this big night, with every famous athlete you could think of present, he was gracious enough to invite us up to his private suite. We walked in and Tiger immediately made a big fuss over my 9 year old son and the little tuxedo he was wearing (“Looking sharp!”). We asked if we could take a picture and his handlers curtly said we weren’t allowed. Tiger said to ignore them and that we could absolutely take a picture which we did. As we left, he tousled my son’s hair and said “I’m watching out for you, Mr. Par.”
We’ll always be fans of the big-hearted man who invited complete strangers to join him on the night he was named Sportsman of the Year. Looking sharp Tiger. Congratulations!!!
89
Some of you are waaay more desperate than myself to feast accolades on someone involved with a made up pretend game.
3
@Seldom Seen Smith
<< made up pretend game.>>
Games, by definition are "made up". If you missed the drama and athletic performances at the Masters, you might have noticed the insanely great joy of the spectators.
@Seldom Seen Smith
It is just a game, but then so is pool.
1
@Seldom Seen Smith
Relax. He colluded with the Russians to win!
I would think in this field of younger heavy hitters he has shut up his critics and Tiger haters.
8
It has to be the greatest sports comeback of all time. So many commentators didn't think he could ever win a regular season tournament again, let alone a major. And they thought that in 2011 after his breakup with Elin and the wrecked SUV. And they though that again after his embarrassing 2016 season and after he had his back fused.
But at every turn Tiger has proven them wrong They thought that the intimidation was gone, and it was. But, they may have overestimated the mental effect Tiger had on his opponents and underestimated his own determination. Like America, Tiger re-invented himself again. The driver is no longer the liability it used to be, he changed his swing to protect his back, and his short game, which has always been superb, is back to where it was. The wisdom is that putting is never as good in players after the turn 40. But all that experience, especially on 12, made up for it. Congratulations Tiger!!!
12
The next time anyone doubts the power of resilience, I'm going to answer with two words: Tiger Woods.
181
I am just so very, very happy for this remarkable man. Tears of absolute joy for Tiger Woods!
9
After reading so many of these comments I hope that Tiger reads these to bask in the love and admiration that is shown here by the vast majority of responders!
He was so stoic every day and to see his excitement on the last hole was wonderful!
So happy that his children got to see their Dad in action like we all have enjoyed in the past.
16
Along with me, my parents are cheering from heaven! All smiling all happy for Tiger!!
8
At a fit 43, the man will win more majors.
13
p.s. - The best thing about The Masters, no cell phones.
17
Koepka missed that put (would have tied Tiger) in a tribute to Tiger. I would not say intentionally but unconsciously things happen. My respect to hm and of course Tiger is the “man”. Well deserved.
1
Maybe unconsciously. But if Tiger needed a 4 on 18, he could have got a 4. He played it very safe on the approach, pitch, and putt, knowing a 5 would do the job. Even so, Koepke’s missed putt did let everyone breath easier, no doubt!
I am brought to tears over Tigers Masters win. It emulates, his win, is a win for those battling addiction and finding a win every day.
12
We Americans love redemption, and Tiger redeemed himself today. He overcame his personal struggles, the same so many of us have, fought his body limits, as so many of us do, and for one weekend, energized the world with a long sought after major win. Most awesome and on the greatest stage, with grace and humility. To watch him with his young son walking was pure joy.
20
Never underestimate the power of a strong mind. We could learn a thing or two from Tiger’s victory. Just Do It
12
This is one of the all-time redemption stories in sports. For someone who was so high and mighty to be laid so low, physically, spiritually, emotionally, and to rise back up to this level has few precedents. And this is so good for the game of golf; to have the 20 somethings who grew up watching the first incarnation of Tiger, to compete with the second...awesome.
16
I still remember vividly the photo o f Y A Tittle kneeling in exhaustion after taking a hit as a quarterback years ago. There's something about these great athletes that gets to me. I felt the same when I heard of, and saw the picture of, Tiger Woods today.
4
Really great article Karen. I've nothing to add except that the 14 years between this and his last Masters win is the largest gap between wins in the tournament's history - and I'm immensely pleased for Tiger.
4
I don’t know if this has anything to do with his performance but he looks less muscular, like he stopped trying to bench press buildings. His physique was reminiscent of the time when he was winning. Whatever the case may be, I’m happy for him and I’ve never been a Tiger fan.
5
The two most admirable things in sports, if not life, are sustained excellence and a come-back. Tiger Woods is an example of both.
15
Good for Tiger Woods. America loves a story of redemption. Tiger is one of the better ones I have seen in my 70 years of living.
14
Tiger Woods is a real-life super hero. We have the origin story, the fall from grace, and now the redemption. What a great story. Not a big golf fan, but there is something about this person that makes me happy to be a human being.
16
Grit, determination, perseverance, forgiveness, ... the list goes on.
So happy for Tiger Woods!
5
Tiger Woods is a new Miles Davis, period.
2
Dum spiro spero,: While I breathe, I Hope.
. Tiger Woods, the Cinderella Man of Golfers. Americans love a come back kid. Way to go.
5
That was fun to watch.
11
An amazing achievement by a prodigy who became all too human for awhile. What I will remember is he broke through the color barrier of golf (a sport I have never enjoyed watching & only playing occasionally for fun). Otherwise Woods also accomplished another rare feat - Trump & Obama on the same page!
5
For the first time in years, Tiger Woods’ showed an air of calmness about himself; not sure if this can be interpreted as confidence, but he wore a serenity that we haven’t seen in years. Perhaps it’s the surgeries that have corrected his pains and aches, or it could be maturity, or a combination of both. In any case, he shined today and boosted the sport of golf.
4
Mr Woods completes his heros journey, he's the real life Luke Skywalker of our age, someone Joseph Campbell would be talking about today if he were alive.
6
Tiger brought golf to life for everyone no matter your color,age,gender we all watched him as a little boy on the Mike Douglas show develop into a champion. We rooted for him,cheered for his success and toasted for him when he put on his first green jacket and saw his father and mother standing at his side so proud looking to a brilliant future.
We went through the hard times and we wanted to will him back to success Four back operations ,practice practice years later from his early success we saw a miracle him putting on the jacket today.
If ever a country needed a shot of hope in this Holy Week, it was watching Tiger woods today who changed the course of golf history despite all of the physical obstacles.
I hope he has left all of his demons behind and will live a life that is full and meaningful. In the past he never fully understood the hope and dreams of so many unknown people he carried on his shoulders . Now that he is mature the mistakes he made in his youth hopefully won’t be repeated again.
Much joy and happiness for Tiger Woods. What an outstanding unbelievable achievement.
11
Shoutout for Doug Mills,
The photo is perfect. !
7
Greatest athlete ever. Period.
7
@Mike Nice thought, but Bo Jackson may not agree.
What an incredible feat!!! What a thrilling comeback!!
I once found myself alone in a room with Tiger Woods. We both went to the same small private gym in Manhattan Beach. He was already the most famous athlete in the world, before his world came crashing down, and it was shocking to see him in person lifting weights right next to me, a regular schlub, there on a Tuesday at 10am.
He seemed more compact than he looks on TV. Less like a superhero. I realized he's just an ordinary guy who decided to do extraordinary things by the sheer force of his will and determination. Somehow his normalcy made his accomplishments seem all the more incredible. Today I take even greater inspiration from this broken man, past his prime, who decided to be the best again, better than should be possible.
We're all broken in some ways. We've probably all squandered some of our potential, opportunities, and gifts. But very few of us have the fortitude and perseverance to claw our way back up from injury, addiction, and public humiliation as this man has, with the whole world watching and judging.
Congratulations, Tiger! You earned this epic moment! You are truly an inspiration for us all!
46
Hard not to cheer for Tiger. Not only did he overcome substantial physical obstacles at long odds, but he seems to have turned over a new leaf personally. By appearances, he is focused on his children and obviously grateful in post-tournament interviews for his mother's support. America loves a comeback, on both counts.
8
For someone who has paid attention to Tiger his whole career, this was truly an inspirational win that reminds me of Stephen Hawking's often quoted, "where there is life, there is hope", and I hope that Tiger's win today can inspire people within all disciplines that they need not be defined by their mistakes, but rather their willingness to overcome them.
23
Tiger Woods, five-times Masters champion, this has a ring of optimism, faith, grit, hard work, patience, fortitude, courage and perhaps it is about the resolute human spirit that cannot be defeated. Well, for a change the banter around the water cooler, instead of our politics, will turn to the arguments about where this sits in the pantheon of sporting comebacks. We need it! Thank you, Tiger!
14
A personal victory for Mr. Woods at this game known as golf—
But in the larger picture what does it say that so much attention and money is given to—and land and landscaping devoted to—a game of hitting a small ball with a stick and following it around on foot or in a little motorized cart.
2
Ah. But then what is life? You decide what you think is meaningful and I will choose for myself. The soaring redemption of the human spirit has nothing to do with your little white ball.
5
So many young pros say they grew up watching Tiger and it’s an honor to play with him. Yeah, let’s see how much of an honor it is now that he’s at least halfway back to where he was before and starts winning again all the time. Fact is, tiger’s life fell apart and his injuries made other pros careers possible. Tiger is a serious competitor. But most of today’s pga tour has zero clue how to play with Tiger Woods being Tiger Woods!
6
I never lost faith. I believed in Tiger Woods and admired and respected him for his true grit. If anyone ever worked hard to achieve a goal, it's Tiger. He never demonstrated the disgusting attitude of entitlement that some media stars exhibit. He earned this, and I was teary eyed while I watched him do it.
4
You can see he matures as a human being. Just how many people rooted for this guy? Just incredible. No one man had this big an impact on the sport he plays, if not sports as a whole. I for one always root for underdogs but I always find myself rooting for Tiger, always, it's the eyes of tiger, always hungry that do it.
5
This win was Ali-esque.
8
I can't help but wonder what Nike's shares will close at tomorrow.
3
Stirring triumph? No. Not in the least. Woods plays golf with Trump and they have a lot in common.
They both lied and cheated on their wives and they both only care about their versions of “winning.” How much moral and ethical compromise does it take to blissfully play golf with Trump while he tears apart the very fabric of our Democracy?
I find it pathetic and disgusting.
22
@Bodyman
He also played with Obama and visited him in the Oval office.
13
@Bodyman C'mon man. Yes, Trump is terrible but maybe you need to try to find a moment of joy in your life...or at least let the rest of us find it.
16
@Bodyman. Lighten up. You'll live longer.
6
I love stories of the triumph over adversity. Thanks, Tiger for giving us a wonderful real-life example. What a thrilling and so richly deserved win!
7
Great human story . Great American story . So glad for Tiger . Trump has nothing to do with this . Yay .
11
Enjoyed class acts, Bubba and Ricky, after congratulating Tiger goes and hugs Ms. Woods.
5
Great news for a Sunday in April!! Mr. Woods fought his way back from personal and medical problems--publicly!! Congratulations Tiger if you read this!!
4
They test him for drugs? Didn't think so.
4
I truly cannot fathom or full appreciate the psychological and physical gauntlet Tiger has run to achieve this win, but I would put it "on par" with the Labors of Hercules — it is that epic and historical. Amazing, inspirational.
9
I just read that all the Trump Golf courses worldwide are producing plaques. Announcing The Donald as winner of 2019 Masters. Seems he claims to have beaten Tiger over 9 holes once, so that counts. I am not sure, but I think Sarah Sanders and Miller best Tiger also.
15
anyone know how he recovered from those back surgeries? where did he go for treatment?
2
The GOAT
4
@Christopher Chritton
That would be Jack Nicklaus. This article is about Tiger Woods.
6
l never play golf but because Mr.Tiger Wood l do read about it and also some tames watch it, age 43 and a very hard times in his life, he show the world he is the Champ, l hope and pray that he put his personal life in order too, and next generation will talk about him like a HERO and that is what he is
Wonderful, love him. He is more than an elite at his sport, Tiger is a revolution, He brought the game to everyone's reach. Before him, not everyone would be watching this. If He was not black, the comeback would not mean too much.
2
"His pursuit of Nicklaus’s record 18 major championships, which seemed a foregone conclusion when he sprinted to 14 major titles in his first 11 years as a professional, is now officially back on."
Beat Nicklaus? That's ridiculous!
Just because people are talking about something doesn't make it true or even remotely plausible.
I like the fact that he probably wants to give it a go, but winning even one more is an extreme long-shot. Winning three to tie and another to beat Jack, at his age, is a charming fantasy, but nothing more.
1
@Sixofone
Ah, but Tiger IS Fantastic.
You(we)'ll see too, soon enough.
@Sixofone
On the other hand, few thought he'd win even one more.
3
Tiger Woods' life is a movie script. Except it's for real. He's a true American hero, the kids we all root for; the hero with feet of clay but who somehow rises to conquer his demons.
I have to admit I got a little weepy eyed watching him win this Masters. The shot with his kids really got to me.
10
@The Flylooper
They came through the other side with
their father -- Tiger.
Were only mine here to share with me Tiger's Amazing Comeback....
1
Hero??? Not in the least and not even close. A man that lies and cheats on his wife and plays golf with the man who is tearing apart our Democracy is no hero. I would tell any son of mine to look elsewhere for a hero. Someone who cares about others more than himself.
12
And let me tell you.. you were not the only one with a moist eye..
2
"Stars askew" - says who?
The earth has quit wobbling. POTUS and Elon have quit tweeting.
The stars are all aligned when on a Sunday - Tiger wins.
And that too the Masters - which practically belongs to him and Jack.
I know there is that magic number of 18.
But Tiger is looking at 6 - the number he is now one short of Jack in winning the Masters.
I just crossed 70 - my life is almost now fully complete.
A great congrats to Tiger.
3
His father would have been proud.
8
Eat your heart out, Sergio García.
4
Tiger gives new meaning to a comeback. We can all be inspired by him and hoping there are a few more majors left in him. Go.Tiger.Go.
10
i was having my usaual sunday breadfast at a local sports bay with the usual crowd of about 50 souls. The entire group was rooting for Tiger to win the tournament. and they celelabrated right along with Tiger and the tv crowd.... hip hip horray!
5
@Melanie A. said it, "if the spirit is strong and the will is great, and one is still breathing, anything is possible." If you ain't dead, you can still try.
Great recovery Tiger! I do NOT follow any sports or entertainment but I was always a booster for Tiger because he was a light going forward for a diversity world. He worked hard and persisted, Success Key # 3. He had a goal, winning again, Success Key #7 and, by God, he did it because that is what true winners do, they win by sheer will. He paid his dues.
3
"You get bad breaks from good shots; you get good breaks from bad shots – but you have to play the ball where it lies." -- Bobby Jones
11
I am happy for him.
What I remember most about Tiger Woods happened at the height of his career, popularity, and influence - he was already earning gazillions in endorsements. He was asked, point blank, by campaigners if he would lend his voice (and considerable influence and power) to the campaign against child labour (the children working as slaves making the very products he was being paid gazillions to promote). He remained silent; he said and did nothing. Just reflect on that for a just a moment before joining the hordes exalting his greatness . . .
11
@PS
Excellent point.
Probably not lost on Tiger
were he to somehow Hear it....
2
I have watched Tiger since his college days ,when he won 3 successive amateur championships.I was disappointed by the self-inflicted wounds that he had to go through in recent years.
Now ,I am overjoyed to see that personal redemption is possible. Congratulations to Tiger on a very historic win.
Lee
11
A triumph of the human spirit through personal and professional adversity. I often exulted Tiger's rise to fame and fortune in 1997 to motivate my children to strive for their own success. He gave respect to the different cultures of the world and we must always be grateful to him. Today we saw everyone coming together and cheering him on to victory because they knew that this victory will not only be Tiger's but it will be their own too.
5
At the end of 2017, his World Golf Ranking was 656. He's up to number 6 now. No matter what happens in the future, that is an incredible accomplishment. Congratulations, Mr. Woods. Well done.
15
a "Triumph for the Ages"?
A cure for cancer and the discovery of human life on Mars would both get knocked off the front page by Woods finishing fifth in a golf tournament.
7
I'm not a sports fan, and I have no axe to grind against Tiger Woods, and I also believe people can do some pretty awful things, move on, and become better. What interests me is how a stellar athlete's past errors can pretty much be left behind as long as they continue to entertain and impress us with their skills (at least in many of these comments that's how it seems) but someone like Joe Biden, also a person of major accomplishments, not to mention public service, can be raked over the coals for days over not much of anything. Very curious.
19
Not a sports fan but still needing to put down this man's incredible comeback?
3
Nothing in the game like the 12th at Augusta. This was the turning point. Where Tiger's patience and experience won the tournament. His playing partners went for the flag and ended up in the water. Tiger shot to the left of the pin where he had more green, a safer play, where Jack would have put it. And so...this was as exciting and dramatic as Nicklaus's Sunday in 1986. He simply showed the young guys who grew up watching him how to play the game today. Well done.
15
A salute to Karen Crouse. Her despatches set the standard.
4
As I usually note, this is a typical "sport" in which adult males hit a ball with sticks. In doing so, those at the top of the use of sticks applied to a ball, receive hundreds of millions of $US over a relatively brief career.
4
I think I love you.
@Wendell Murray No point detected.
7
First of all, you are grossly neglecting many talented “female” golfers”, both at the amateur and professional level. Have you ever watched their skill set. Second, golf is not that easy of a game for us “weekend hackers” and is a game that requires easily 10,000 hours to perfect, like any professional skill. Third, one must be an eternal optimist to play golf—next shot, next hole, next round will be better. Like Bobby Jones, “great shots may turn bad, and bad shots may turn good”. Golf can mirror life and its challenges.
Golf is irrelevant but I am happy for him personally, nice comeback!
2
I was thrilled at this win for Tiger. I remember his fall from grace and I felt sorry for him. I watched over the years and hoped he would snap out of it. Now he is back in the saddle again. I cheer with him.
2
Watch someone who spends millions of taxpayer dollars to play golf on his own course say something like "I could beat him on a good day . . . "
4
"Never, ever, ever, ever give up"
5
Nothing in the game like the 12th at Augusta. This was the turning point. Where Tiger's patience and experience won the tournament. His playing partners went for the flag and ended up in the water. Tiger shot to the left of the pin where he had more green, a safer play, where Jack would have put it. And so...this was as exciting and dramatic as Nicklaus's Sunday in 1986. He simply showed the young guys who grew up watching him how to play the game today. Well done.
5
His personal issues aside (and they pale in comparison to, e.g., those of a certain past and a current sitting POTUS), I could not help but break out in a big smile when he sank that final putt. I'm a non-golfer but enjoy watching the majors, and Tiger has always been special, even in his darkest hours. He deserves his accolades, flawed though he is. Aren't we all, most of us not surrounded by the myriad temptations and pressures his wealth, fame and multicultural identity carry with them? Bravo, Mr. Woods, from a very religious old white guy.
11
What was different. He chewed gum. He never would have done that in the past. It’s human and it seemed for him, relaxing. He was calm. Accepting and he understood the need of the fans to Revere him. So he made real human contact with them and showed them respect. He did none of those things in his storied past. He was, as they say, a mensch. He was human and he now understands golf is a game that, inevitably, you fail at. The winner fails less than the others and holds his temper when he does, which he did and does now. Golf is a humbling experience. Tiger Woods understands that now with humility. He will win another major this year, even two. He is now as never before the greatest golfer in the history of the game.
31
Thanks Tiger,very inspiring.I I chickened out on a 15 K run and did ok w the 5 K Weather was bad..But I am inspired..We know he suffered a lot..You know you are a runner when you ask the Doctor"When can go running again"
1
Interesting in the #metoo era that Tiger's unraveling was due to a "car accident" and not the repeated infidelity and immaturity that unraveled his marriage. Hmmm.
8
@JW. It's not that "interesting." He might have injured his neck in that car wreck. And, as a matter of fact, he was at the height of his fame and ability WHILE he was cheating on his wife.
4
First of all, #metoo is about inappropriate sexual advances, not about marital infidelity. His sexual issues have nothing to do with #metoo; he has never been accused as such.
Second, the article references a marital dispute, and succession of lurid tabloid headlines. So your focus topic was not ignored. Those things, and the death of his father, the car wreck, the surgeries, and the DUI, are all covered. Each difficult factor in his now temporary demise was listed. No reason to give the infidelity more coverage than the other factors, at this late point after rehabilitation from them all.
13
Even for those who don't play or watch golf, Tiger Woods winning the 2019 Masters lifts spirits as it is an amazing comeback story. For me, it stirred up emotions for another reason. I spent my father's last day of life on May 10, 1998 watching with him (he loved golf) Tiger Woods win a tournament following a much briefer drought. Despite my father being mostly sleepy and confused as a result of the liver failure from his cancer, he could accurately state Tiger's name and his number of strokes under par. It was just nice seeing Tiger Woods win again after all these years.
18
Fantastic!
Tiger’s work ethic and talent are world class for any endeavor.
He’s been great for the game of golf and has paved the way for the new generation of athletic, competitive golfers.
Now, to win the British Open at St. Andrews one more time!
10
It was difficult trying not to root for Tiger this weekend. I always rooted for Tiger, he took the game I love to a new plateau of excellence. But recent revelations that Tiger plays golf with Trump was changed all that. How could Tiger sink that low?
But still, what a great day today for Tiger and for golf. He was brilliant, so steady despite the suffocating pressure of the back nine at Augusta on Sunday. So much fun to watch.
7
Sometimes they have to do what their handlers ask them to do.
@John Adams As much as I dislike Trump, I would probably play golf with him given the opportunity. Perhaps Tiger can design Mr. Trump's next course. As you may know, a lot of business is conducted on the golf course.
Trump may lack most (if not all) aspects of civility, but that is no reason to be uncivil to him in return.
2
Shows what determination and skill can do!
2
Too bad golf is just a sport. A real life story of redemption and rebirth just in time for Easter, and on Palm Sunday no less. Someone needs to write a sermon on Tiger.
5
@John Doe, let’s not forget Passover. He’s black and freed from slavery, maybe just not Egypt’s. Forget golf’s grand slam.
Proves it is not over till it’s over. This was a triumph of will power, talent and probably enjoying the game of golf. I was riveted and I am not a golfer at all.
5
In these tumultuous times i am happy to read some
positive news fore a change.
Congratulations Tiger and welcome back!
3
"Hello World. I'm Tiger Woods", 22 years later. Congratulations to Tiger on winning a Masters that, at times, seemed more like a neck-and-neck horse race over the last few days only to see the Champion pull away just before the finish. It was an exhilarating tournament to watch, and one that will stand for many years to come.
2
I have always been a Tiger Woods fan.
And not despite his marital/family issues, but largely because of them: He was I think unfairly criticized, and vilified, by haters and those who must have thought he had won all those tournaments as some sort of gift, instead of working very hard to do what he had done.
And he is the only good reason to watch golf, the only interesting player in golf, from my point of view.
Great news and a great result.
3
Very proud of and happy for Tiger.
Back surgery and related problems are cripplers.
Pharmaceutical painkillers can easily addict and kill you.
His marital problems and all the media slagging of him were
so sad.
I hope he stays healthy, and keeps on winning!
5
Tiger's flaws as a person are more public than those of the rest of us, but he's still America's most popular athlete. I have no interest in watching golf, unless he's in the tournament. I had a lot of interest today. Nothing ignites the American spirit more than a comeback from adversity. Congratulations, Tiger, for never giving up.
13
@David Well stated. Moreover, I also wounder how many of those who have vilified Tiger have committed similar transgressions (especially if extramarital sex was readily available to his detractors as it was to Tiger).
I am a golf fan (to some extent), but typically do not watch tournaments unless Tiger is playing. I look forward to watching and cheering him on in person at the US Open in June.
1
@David. I suspect LeBron James or Steph Curry are America's most popular athlete. Tom Brady and Serena Williams are also likely much more popular.
I love Tiger, and this is such an exceptional comeback! Very happy for him!
6
I don't follow golf, but I'm still glad to see Tiger win after all the abuse from late-night comedians and other trollish ilk.
7
If creating the Tiger Phenomena, dominating the game of golf, inspired all generations to come, breaking numerous records are not enough, ...., after multiple injuries, devorce, arrest of DUI, could barely get up, may give up golf altogether merely 2 years ago, and against a full field of who's who of the best, who were 20 year younger, built as football players, and win the major? This is the very definition of the greatest comeback story of all times!
12
Kudos to him for displaying his balding pate.
But maybe he should start working in some sunscreen on his neck. He's looking a bit leathery.
Tiger Woods is America. He is multiracial. He worked hard to get to the top of his chosen Profession. He showed bad judgment, he showed he was human. He fell from on high. He dug deep. He suffered physically. He never gave up despite all of the naysayers. He had and has all the money in the world. He could easily have walked away. He came all the way back from being all the way down. His life is what America is all about. So many people play golf: blue collar workers, doctors, lawyers, sports stars, Kings, Presidents, you name it. They understand how hard golf is and to play in at Tiger's level AGAIN. Everyone can appreciate this man's accomplishments. He will inspire people the world over for generations. Congratulations Tiger Woods.
682
@dennis. I’m happy for him as well. But don’t idolize a philandering substance abusing “athlete.” Set your sights higher.
15
@Bob Why the scare quotes around the word "athlete"? And why is it wrong to be inspired by an inspiring comeback?
My objection to the comment is the report that Woods is "multiracial," as if that has anything to do with either his troubles or his recovery from them.
14
@David M. Brown
America is multiracial.
34
In the post-tournament cabin interview, he failed to thank a single individual for helping him on his long climb back. Not one person. Not his family, not his physicians, not his therapists, not his sponsors, not his supporters. No one. Perhaps he did it alone. And no nod to his competition, either. Skilled competitor, yes but also a classless man-child, indeed. The antithesis of a golf champion.
9
All one need do is read the following passage to know how epically amazing this win was. Tiger Woods is a champion’s champion.
“As he walked to sign his scorecard for his triumphant final round, a dozen former and current stars of the game waited to embrace him and shake his hand, something that never happened in years past, when Woods was largely a loner at the top of the sport.”
6
@Michael C
This isn't the Oscars, sheesh. Until Tiger won, all he was thinking about was winning, not what he would say in case he did win. Afterwards, I gather, he was euphoric and sharing the moment with his family, and then answering questions about his performance. Why on earth should he have to meet your expectations to avoid your disapproval?
Actually, I'm just relieved whenever the interviewee doesn't thank god for his or her victory.
9
@Michael C It's a brief interview, not an acceptance speech. Moreover, Augusta National is notoriously persnickety about decorum and tradition. He answered the questions that were put to him, and he did so politely and professionally.
4
As much as this is a sports achievement, It is also a
lesson in life. That is, however much life knocks you down, get up Believe in your talents and abilities. Never give up.
Well done, Tiger!
17
Ms. Crouse, you are the best golf writer working today and I congratulate you as I do Mr. Woods. Your keen insight is supported by knowledge gained through study and effort. This is a wonderful piece. I am near 70 years of age, was a pretty good stick at various times, and a voracious reader of good and great sports writing. I also was a journalist and teacher for 35-years. Congratulations on rising to the elite tier of your profession.
14
Congrats Tiger. A terrific triumph over age, injury and other impediments. In the same league as Federer’s recent comeback on the ATP tour, only more so. A testament to fitness, determination and human perseverance.
5
Golf is a game. Tiger Woods is a multi-millionaire and would have been if he had not won. It is not "a triumph for the ages." This country faces serious problems. Winning or losing a golf tournament is not one of them. Please.
9
Can’t believe we have gotten so mean spirited that it is painful for some to acknowledge a remarkable human achievement.
17
Lighten up, Tom.
12
@Tom W I'm not really a fan of Tiger but I watched and was enthralled by the drama of it all. It made for fabulous television and despite rooting for the rest of the field for the entire weekend, in the end I was happy for him that he was able to succeed, especially in front of his children. His demeanor throughout the match was completely stoic but when his match ending putt dropped into the cup he exploded with emotion and relief. It was thrilling to watch.
6
I can't stand watching golf but I loved this! And re-watched the "finale" several times! I never really followed much of his personal drama or professional challenges, but of course know the general arc of the story. Excellent all around. Goes to show, if the spirit is strong and the will is great, and one is still breathing, anything is possible.
203
One should never underestimate hard work and perseverance in the aged.
5
I've never been a fan of Tiger for a number of reasons. but one has to admire his grit and determination. This certainly compares to Hogan's comeback after a devastating automobile accident. I come down a little on Hogan's side as his disabilities continued after recovering from his accident. Tiger's physical woes seem, at the moment, to be quiescent.
1
Hmmm. An athlete who "makes a comeback" is lauded as a hero even though he abused women. He is given a second or more chances. Forgive and forget. A politician who is gregarious and who may hug is a lout and an "abuser."
What is wrong with this picture? What am I missing here?
10
@trettig. Having a girlfriend is not “abusing” women. What are you missing? You’re missing the idea that every story isn’t about politics.
7
To answer your question...obviously, you’re missing a lot.
4
The greatest, most humble win
1
Another resurrection and renewal as we approach Easter-Passover. Congratulations to an Old Master who's found his Promised Land.
3
Good job Tiger! This was the champion I longed to see again!! So humble on his acceptance of that ceremonial green jacket! He has totally redeemed himself!!
I could not help noticing the differences - 1997 green jacket was presented so painfully by a white Augusta National member. Today was so much more warm, gracious and congratulatory!!
3
@Sandy Telander....Augusta has changed.... those racist old white dudes figure out that the mixed race dude made their club even more valuable than ever..... $$$ over hate...
3
I'm glad to see him back. There are second acts in sports but, as Tiger Woods proved, they take a ton of hard work and persistence.
3
Congratulations Tiger. To come back and grow as a human being shows what you are made of.
4
Absolutely spectacular, you could see when Tiger saw his opening and pounced, in the back nine. And, at the 16th tee, Michael Phelps was just behind him when Tiger hit an almost-hole-in-one. CBS showed both of them, and everyone else in the frame, encouraging a little golf ball into the hole. It didn't sink, but that was OK. We got to see a redeemed GOAT cheering for an about to be redeemed GOAT. Also Jim Nantz pointed out that a pretty good swimmer was watching a pretty good golfer. Great day for the USA. When is the movie coming out?
2
Thank you, Tiger.
5
Schadenfreude's loss is Tiger's gain. Believing in yourself to succeed, regardless of everyone else wanting you to fail is what life is usually all about. Congrats!
2
I'm not a golf enthusiast, but this comeback is truly inspiring-- and only 2 years, almost to the day, from his Palm Beach county prescription drug DUI nadir mugshot.
2
Really his greatest win. On previous occasions his prowess on the course almost made winning a foregone conclusion. This time it was against the odds.
2
F. Scott Fitzgerald said that "there are no second acts in American life". Fitzgerald's second at came after his death. It was inspiring to watch Tiger Woods earn his second act in the tournament that gave him his first one. Well done!
244
No one is beyond redemption. Often people get into a sport for the wrong reason in order to find the right reason to stay in it.
2
I don't play golf, and I don't keep up with sports. But even I was rooting for Tiger Woods and am thrilled with this outcome.
I don't know if the stories about sports' building character and such are true or if they are simply a narrative told to justify all the big money that is invested in sports. But I do know that this kind of story--and this specific story--is inspiring. Tiger Woods was supposedly washed up, a relic well on his way to being forgotten. But he worked hard and triumphed, and even I was delighted when I read the headline.
Tiger Woods' original story was one of hard work, dedication and passion, and eventual victory. And now he has replicated that miracle. I may not know beans about sports, but this man makes me wish I did, simply because I always like stories of great courage that end well.
7
@Janice.... playing sports individually or as part of a team adds way more to one's life than I can articulate here... the fact that this man's sports accomplishment touched you is only a thimbleful of what sports participation can do for young and old alike...
2
Tiger's epic comeback was an inspiring achievement accomplished with determination, dignity, and courage. All his fans thank him for setting this fine example of what it means to be a champion and a man.
3
I'm happy for him and his comeback; it's great that his kids could be there. I remember watching the moment on TV 22 years ago. Time flies!
3
Fantastic! Wish I had seen this. He is a phenomenal athlete and has done so much for golf.
He certainly has paid for his choices while he was married. I can only hope he is a better human being and competitor now after this long time of struggles.
3
Whether one "likes" Tiger or not, I cannot help but expect people to be in awe of his amazing work ethic, his perseverance in the face of so many absurdly hard obstacles. His age by now, his physical trials, his surgeries!
I am in awe. He so deserves the accolades. And I hope he has many other wins in the months and years ahead.
7
Why do we feel the need to make sports figures role models for us to idolize? Or use them to show our children what they should strive to be?
Many comments here are judging Tiger Woods for his past moral failures and are either willing to forgive him or say they could never forgive him for his past sins, when he should just always have been admired as a truly great golfer. Athletic ability doesn’t equate to sainthood no matter how much we would like it to.
Now is when the hero worship should really begin. Still a great golfer but now a real role model as well.
Tiger Woods’ victory today is an example of what you can achieve if you simply refuse to accept defeat and that is a very important lesson for everyone.
14
@Me... unless someone is perfect they have no right to judge anyone regarding their "moral failures"... athletes are like fables or nursery rhymes they help us understand things... their lives tell a story... work hard and achieve, etc... they are human and make mistakes... and with anything in life "believing" too hard in anything can be a negative...
2
Yawn. Is this really considered inspiring? Has his conduct in his personal life matured? If not, who cares how well he plays golf.
8
Are you kidding?? you could easily say : regardless of his trials and tribulations with his personal life he’s managed one of the greatest sports comebacks of all time
3
Yes, it’s inspiring .
6
@L
No it's not. Perhaps admirable, but not inspiring.
2
Awesome. Very happy for him. His marital situation was his own business and easy to judge from the outside. Painkiller addiction very common (see Rush Limbaugh). Looking forward to seeing him get #19, one win at a time. Which will cement the GOAT title.
5
@David Henry
I suspect you’ve never been a competitive athlete.
Tiger Woods believed in himself.
Thus the difference and the result.
Congrats Tiger Woods.
You’ve been missed.
7
Good for him.
1
If you didn't tear up on the news you weren't paying attention. And I'm not even a golf fan. Great photo, Doug Mills.
8
He can, shall, has overcome!
May we all do the same.
No one is perfect. Some are just more interesting and compelling to watch (because of what they can do, actually do, and might do). Who compares to this man? Remarkable!
Keep it up Tiger. We'll be watching. And hoping.
4
There was always incredible behind the scenes work, but he was also carried by talent and at one time, a body that could make impossible moves. Until it couldn't.
First there's the fact that the field of competitors get better and better, while he was aging, and rehabbing from multiple surgeries'
Then there's the triumph over personal adversity, done with grace, and a warmth that contrasts with his early days. It's great that his children could see him do this. And - unlike the old Tiger - it looked like he let himself enjoy his achievement.
13
Congratulations Tiger Woods, and thank you. We needed your improbale victory as much as you did.
6
congrats!
2
Phenomenal achievement. One for the ages.
1
I must say that even though I have never been a fan of golf, and will probably never be, I am glad to see Tiger Woods come back in such a dramatic but also fitting fashion. He is one of those rare athletes who clearly transcends his sport.
Now, I never looked at him as a role model or anything of the sort, though there is plenty in his personal story to admire and inspire. But I do respect him for his talent, hard work and effort.
Perhaps, I even appreciate him even more now that the professionally manufactured veneer he used to sport and the carefully crafted corporate image which was his storefront at the beginning, have been largely stripped away. We now see and know Tiger Woods the individual, warts and all.
So welcome home Mr. Woods, congratulations and all the best from here on!
16
This is an amazing comeback. I do sincerely hope that this comeback is a comeback of a Tiger Woods that has changed as a person.
During his early career he created a careful image of himself that was simply a mirage.
Many many years ago I once had the fortune to walk within the ropes with Tiger when hosting a business client. Rarely have I heard a man of stature so foul mouthed. It was quite embarrassing. I knew then that the Tiger the golf industry sold was a carefully crafted stage persona. It did not surprise me when it all unraveled. Perhaps that was Tiger's problem - that what we saw was not the authentic Tiger.
I will root for him and applaud him if we saw an authentic Tiger yesterday. Time will tell.
6
@Jzu
Woods is legally defined as a public figure, so you are safe in saying pretty much whatever you wish. But I frankly don't care that what he said within your hearing was supposedly "foul mouthed." I think many of us are tired of judgments on the basis of personal flaws detected in private when we live in a country now ruled, not governed, by someone who says all kinds of horrible things and has been videotaped saying them.
Spare me, please. At least Tiger Woods is very good at what he does, and I seriously doubt he would speak of what a minor business contact had said to him. Would that the other "foul mouthed" specimens we contend with, those who have so much power over our lives, had such class.
7
Tiger won this tournament obviously because of skill and talent but also because of patience and wisdom - the two latter characteristics often not found in the youth of the sport. Instead of previous wins with him running away with it the field came back to him. He was the steady “old man”. Hopefully this wisdom and patience translates into his personal life and perspective of the sport - and with his fellow competitors - and he becomes a humble man.
7
What a thrill to watch him play. Such a great tournament this year. Congratulations to a legend, and to everyone who played. What a glorious roar from the crowd when he won. Fabulous day for golf!
5
Brought a tear to my eyes. Even my wife, who despises this tournament, watched the walk up the 18th and the aftermath with a smile on her face.
6
Tiger and Federer are two of the greatest champions in their and general sports. Both were written off, both came back to win championships in spectacular fashion and both transformed their respective sports. Congratulations Tiger. The man is back!
4
What is very interesting is a recent parallel comeback, across the sea, against all odds for someone even older (he's 46) - James Cracknell, a British double gold Olympian in rowing, with a TBI in 2010 from cycling, who last week won "The Boat Race" in Cambridge, England, the oldest (by 10 years) winner ever, beating competitors half his age!
Although one must be physically fit and up to the athletic challenge, as Tiger once said, most of his winning takes place up in his head.
Congrats to both!
9
Truly amazing talent and (more importantly) hard work and dedication. A win for the ages.
2
By understanding the vulgar nature of tabloids, we can see how they unfairly influence some of their readers to berate Tiger as a flawed man. With that being said, we can forget about these false judgments and appreciate the real vision of courage contained in and expressed by Tiger Woods. He embodies the common human values of commitment, determination, and patience. Not only had he rebuilt his athletic lifestyle doing what he loves to do, playing golf, but he had displayed a remarkable self-discipline through seemingly insurmountable challenges during the last decade: for him it was adapting to the frustration of a spinal injury, pain of divorce, and grief of a broken family. Tiger has not only achieved a sweet victory, but he expressed a genuine happiness that is at the core of human nature: the joy in living one’s life to the fullest. His emotions after winning the 2019 Masters inspire us to adapt to our own setbacks as we pursue our journey towards happiness.
17
Bravo, Mr. Woods! Bravo! Your triumph is a victory for us all. Your victory shows that we can all triump over adversity. Your victory is proof that redemption is never impossible.
8
Where are all the pundits who swore Woods would never win another tournament, much less the Masters.
Have some crow.
3
@RT Please, few believed based on Tiger's injuries it was possible, so you are off base.
1
I'm happy for Tiger, he earned this win and overcame so much to make it happen. He's an inspiration to anyone who has faced setbacks and it shows you must never give up.
4
Congrats to Tiger. I am fully aware of his past. I’ve always thought the public outcry was a dramatic over reaction. Proof positive to me is that we are all currently under the thumb of an autocrat who’s likely guilty of the same kinds of antics. Not to say “nothing matters”. But under Trump.... nothing matters. Again, congrats to Tiger.
4
Two greatest sports comeback stories:
Ali beats Foreman.
Tiger today.
Bravo!
2
Way to go Tiger.
1
This is terrific! I'm not interested in nor do I follow golf, but watched 30 minutes of this while on the elliptical today and enjoyed watching him.
He overcame a lot to get back to this moment, yet on many sites I have seen awful, hateful comments made about him. Not sure why.
Anyway, congrats to TW!
1
All we ever wanted to really see was a real person underneath all of those Nike logos, muscles and red shirts! Now, we can all move past the salacious details of Tiger's past and celebrate the real person who showed real emotion in embracing his children and mother and his peers...it was truly a "pass me another tissue" moment! #secondacts
17
Eleven years to return is depressing!
3
You’re missing the point entirely.
4
I liked Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer, but didn’t watch much golf on TV until Tiger Woods came around. Then, if he was playing, it was must-see. Like Muhammad Ali with boxing, he brought something to the sport that seemed to transcend the sport, miraculous stuff, powerful and beautiful at the same time. After the troubles began, it all became too painful, to keep hoping and then to see him fade. Now it seems perhaps the arc of his career, as with Ali, was meant to teach a greater lesson. Why do we watch sports? This is why.
17
@Alan Please don't equate Tiger with Ali.
While Ali was opposing the Vietnam War with great costs to his career, Tiger was making millions from corporate sponsors.
1
Long overdue. Congratulations champ!
Life does go on.
2
This is a terrific moment of personal and professional redemption.
The great film critic Roger Ebert once lauded the film “Downhill Racer” as the greatest sports film ever, because it showed so well how some champions are one-dimensional people. They never got a chance to develop in their pursuit of winning.
Of course I don’t know Tiger Woods, but it sure seems like he has figured out a better balance in life since his fall from grace.
I was rooting for him today.
14
Five hundred years from now, few athletes from our time will still be commonly known around the world. Pele, Muhammad Ali and Tiger Woods might be the only ones. It’s a joy to be witness to their greatness.
Tiger’s victory is a lesson in how much failure you can have and still attain greatness, and how failure makes success sweeter.
7
@Kevin:
Jordan?
3
@Kevin
No they won't.
1
Never thought he would win another Major.. This dude is as mentally tough as there is walking on earth.. He is passed his prime, has a fused back and had the wherewithal to fight off the best players on the planet.. Truly one of the greatest comeback stories in sports history..
11
The competition is so much deeper and fiercer today than it was during Nicklaus's day. One has to hold Woods up as the greatest of all time.
13
@Jeff - double bogey collapse on 12th hole of the final round is historic competition?
Give me a break.
@Bill Wolfe
One counterexample does not contradict a general observation, particularly one that has been well-recognized, and well-supported with evidence, for some time. You don't like Tiger, got it.
1
He never gave up on himself!
14
I think I must have been as relived as Tiger after this win.
7
Atawaytogo Tiger!
2
Media (and the public) has a love/hate relationship with Tiger Woods. He was an oddity from the beginning; biracial near prodigy coached by his dad. Always the question (or hope) he would be a one-hit-wonder owing to a not-too-veiled degree of good ol bigotry and racism. Every misstep- a pronouncement of his real lack of talent or overrated. Yet, again-and-again in spite of (or because of) he never relented.
It has been interesting following his career; watching an individual soldier on and again prove haters wrong- that his talent is unquestioned and his golfing skill has earned him the right to wear another Green Jacket.
2
What an incredible Cinderella story! This unknown, comes out of nowhere, to lead the pack at Augusta. He's at the final hole. He's about 455 yards away, he's gonna hit about a 2-iron, I think. Oh, he got all of that. The crowd is standing on its feet here at Augusta. The normally reserved Augusta crowd is going wild...for this young Cinderella who's come out of nowhere. He's got about 350 yards left, he's going to hit about a 5-iron, it looks like, don't you think? He's got a beautiful backswing... that's- oh, he got all of that one! He's gotta be pleased with that! The crowd is just on its feet here. He's a Cinderella boy. Tears in his eyes, I guess, as he lines up this last shot. He's got about 195 yards left, and he's got a, looks like he's got about an 8-iron. This crowd has gone deadly silent... Cinderella story, out of nowhere, former greenskeeper, now about to become the Masters champion. It looks like a miracle.. it's in the hole! It's in the hole!
5
Today a complicated human being won one of the world's most complicated golf tournaments to defy a complicated assortment of personal setbacks and injuries.
Whether one believes in God or not, for as long as mankind has been around one thing has always been certain: The cosmos is replete with wonder and awe.
7
@Ken that's a pretty low bar for the entire cosmos being "replete with wonder and awe"...he had his A-game on a course he's most familiar with, and beat three other players by one stroke each...
1
Like many who think golf is pretty dull, I wasn’t following the Masters until today. When it became clear Tiger might win. I doubt I was alone.
So I asked myself - why tune in? Tiger doesn’t need the money, acclaim, or more titles. His victory resonates because it was driven by other factors.
Namely, the things that, despite sharp political divisions, still inspire us collectively as Americans: perseverance, comebacks, second chances. This was the power of redemption on display. For heaven knows we all have our stumbles.
46
I will echo the “second chance” emotions being expressed here. I’m reminded of the great sports movie “Hoosiers” where Gene Hackman (Coach Norman Dale) was defending Dennis Hopper (Shooter) a bust-out Dad with an alcohol problem. “When’s the last time anyone gave him a second chance?”
There were far more high brow moralizers condemning Tiger because of his bad behavior. Many also cheered on his medical problems. He fought through it all and got to hug his kids on the way to Butler Cabin.
Call me a sucker, but I sobbed like a baby. “Yes, Sirrrrrr,” Tiger. You earned your second chance.
5
It was really nice seeing Woods win. I thought it would never happen again. Well done!
5
So many said he couldn't do it.
2
The most striking thing about Tiger's performance in today's final round was the absence of the usual eye-rolling, muttering, scowling, and exasperation he always displayed. Only as the last putt dropped did he exhibit any emotion, and then it was poor joy. It seems that his trials and tribulations have matured him as a person and a player. Welcome back Tiger. Go for 19!
26
Great observation. I hadn’t realized this until you pointed it out. Tiger could get angry and profane on the golf course, and yet he played a zen like round today and tournament overall. His achievement and come back is one for the ages and truly inspiring. A redemption story...like no other...as Jim Nance might say.
2
My dad was a golfer for 80 of his 96 years. Wish he were here to experience this. I know he would have been excited to see Tiger’s comeback.
7
A come-back like Tiger's is a cause to celebrate. It's comforting to know that we have it within us to overcome obstacles if we have the determination to do so. It takes a person of substance . . . who has been on top, and, following a series of events, some self-imposed and some due to forces beyond his own control, and had fallen . . . to show-up time and time again, coming close but missing and continuing to miss the goal time and again, and continue to work and take lessons and practice and return again, even when others would have understood giving up, suffering humiliation and hearing some jeers, return and return—and to SURPRISE!—reach the top again. It is comforting, indeed, to know that we all have that within us.
It's cause to celebrate when we can look at him and cheer, knowing we've forgiven him for letting us down—feeling that because of our shared humanity, we can share in his success. Knowing that we had it within us to hope he would do it and our hope my have helped him a tiny bit, because together we can do just about anything.
Yep, he's a hero.
Go, Tiger go! And thanks for giving us some renewed hope in our shared humanity.
21
A 'golf triumph.' A 'sports triumph.' Even, a 'medical triumph.'
A personal, professional, spiritual ... whatever ... triumph.
We need adjectives / qualifiers when we say things like 'triumph for the ages.'
Ages is a looooong time. Encompassing all of human history, known and unknown.
Don't misunderstand, I am completely thrilled to see Tiger return to winning form, it's truly exciting. His years of struggle, physical pain and rebuilding process were both wrenching and now, so hopeful to see him come out the other side.
May his relationships with his children be repaired and strengthened now that his pain has relented and his head is clear.
I do think it's likely intense physical pain drove a lot of his issues with substance abuse, and that is something that so many in our nation / society face without the resources to access top physicians, rehab experts, or the luxury of time to recover, etc.
Personally, I'm looking for the name of his most recent surgeon, who seemingly did the impossible by restoring his spine via a 'last resort' operation. Several family members, myself included, would love a hearing or appt. with that doctor!
3
@jazz one
"We need adjectives / qualifiers when we say things like 'triumph for the ages.'"
No we don't. I think Times readers understand that "for the ages" is a figurative term. And I don't think you get the gravity of being the best in the world at something, maybe the best in history.
Thrilling to watch Tiger Woods come back and win the Masters and return to such good form in his 40's. An important day for sports and golf. As Woods has grown and matured and seems to have more humility, his game is still impressive and he seems to be more engaged and because he refused to quit his dedication has paid off. It is inspiring to see.
25
Mazel Tov!
11
CongratsTiger.
To me you are, and will always be, the best.
And welcome back.
15
The ancient Greeks had a word for this, arete, meaning excellence beyond all normal standards of performance, the fulfillment of one's highest potential.
Think of Picasso and painting, Horowitz and the piano, Michael Jordan and basketball and, of course, Woods and golf. You may not be an expert in these things, but you innately know greatness when you see it.
In this tawdry age of mediocrity, Woods' performance is a testament to the human spirit. It is nice for us to be lifted up like this once and awhile, in the midst of all the gloom and the negativity surrounding us.
Tomorrow will be another dreary Monday of life, so let us enjoy the vicarious Sunday feeling of being swept up in Tiger's achievement while we can. And who knows, maybe some of that magic may even rub off on us.
22
Welcome back El Tigre!
7
Tiger has revivid the debate as to the greatest of all time. More immediately is whether his comeback eclipses that of Ben Hogan.
69
@Gary Daughters A copy and paste from WIkipedia for those who don't know about Hogan's injury when his car was hit by a Greyhound bus:
"This accident left Hogan, age 36, with a double-fracture of the pelvis, a fractured collar bone, a left ankle fracture, a chipped rib, and near-fatal blood clots: he would suffer lifelong circulation problems and other physical limitations. His doctors said he might never walk again, let alone play golf competitively. While Hogan was in the hospital, his life was endangered by a blood clot problem that led doctors to tie off the vena cava. Hogan left the hospital on April 1, 59 days after the accident."
Examine his record following the 1949 accident and never speak again about Tiger's comeback rivals that!
On the "greatest of all time"...I am now convinced it is Tiger.
17
@Gary Daughters et al
I would slow down a bit on the GOAT talk.
Jack Nicklaus won 18 majors and finished 2nd nineteen times. Tiger has won 15 majors and finished 2nd six times.
In other words, Jack finished 1st or 2nd in 37 majors to Tiger's 21.
Even if Tiger reaches 18, which is a tall order, it's hard to argue he was greater than Nicklaus.
8
@Gary Daughters. The competition today eclipses anyone Hogan played against. And I doubt that Nicklaus would post the record he did if he had to face off against the depth of talent in the game today.
These young men are not just golfers, they are athletes that train like pros in other sports.
Tiger started that trend. And now he knows his competitors can push their bodies beyond what his fragile body can steadily endure. He has adapted physically and mentally to retake his place at the top of the golf world.
He is, for now, the Greatest of all time.
23
I'll give him points for never giving up but I'm sure it was drilled into his head by his late father who had his own ugly demons. Let's put things in perspective; this is but a game of golf. His play was average today compared to some of the others around him. If Tiger wants to truly redeem himself as a human being for all those lurid acts he'll make an effort to be a class act off the golf course as well. Then he'll truly be in the category of the greats like Jack Nicholas and Arnold Palmer.
8
@Lisa A. Carlson
My parents taught me that if you can't say something good about someone, don't say anything at all. Exactly how many Masters have you won again?
9
Arnold Palmer was great about charity, but he wasn't a class act otherwise. Notoriously nasty fellow according to everyone I know who met him.
5
Fair enough, but there is a place for criticism: and she has a point.
5
Oh, YES! So happy for him.
3
For so many years, he made the hard look easy. Today, he answered the doubters and made the implausible look possible. What an inspiration. He has won me over and now I’m rooting for him to topple all the records.
10
Tiger Woods is a true "master" for our times; as an athlete, and as a man.
I could not be more thrilled for Tiger Woods, who overcame personal and public humiliation, battled his demons on the world-wide stage, surmounted multiple physical challenges…and came back, with quiet humility, to regain his place as a true master.
It is clear Tiger has worked hard, not only on his golf game and physical health, but also on his emotional well-being and maturity in order to make this wonderful comeback possible.
Sports psychologist David L. Cook has said Tiger is, “one of the most mentally tough golfers of all time.” As a personal and professional development coach for 20 years, I’ve worked with many men over the years for whom the pressure to be “mentally tough,” to the neglect of their emotional well-being, has caused them to make less than ideal choices as Tiger once did.
Tiger chose to meet – and heal – his inner challenges, and the result is your exultant photo of him on Sunday afternoon as the new Masters champion.
Think of all we would have missed – and lost – if we had dismissed Tiger from his profession and the public eye…like we do to men all too readily now.
12
A feel good story of human redemption in these troubled times, and God knows we need one. Thanks, Tiger.
16
I admire Tiger for his courage to keep coming back to the game, and putting himself up to all the public scrutiny. He has earned his second chance. He was once larger than life - but winning this time as a flawed, recovering man was probably his most heroic. Congratulations Tiger!
10
Wonderful. Tiger has grown up. He now plays with the calm, graceful demeanor of an adult -- and not the foul mouthed, inconsiderate, tantrums of a punk. I respect and admire him.
4
America loves a story of collapse then redemption. This is a screen writers dream. Perhaps the PGA's dream also.
4
I'm not sure you'll see anything quite like that soon...if ever. Tiger always looks so buttoned down on the course, but, inside, he had to be churning. And it's not like he didn't make it interesting. The way he's been putting from ten feet and in of late, everything has been an adventure. Remember how Tiger used to make his playing partners wilt by just being Tiger? I thought there was a little of that mojo at work today on the back nine....just ask Finau and Molinari.
15th major and a 5th green jacket. It kind of feels like order has been restored and that everything is a little more right with the world.
19
glad to see him back.
4
OK, it was a great comeback, but the headline "Tiger Woods Wins the 2019 Masters in a Triumph for the Ages" (as showing as I write this) is a whole lot of hyperbole. How many ages does the headline writer suppose winning a golf tournament will be remembered for, a hundred, a thousand? I was thinking maybe if it said ..."a Triumph for the Aged" but Woods is only 43.
5
@Anonymouse
It's hyperbole, sure, but not a whole lot of it. Very few athletic events will be as well-remembered either by sports fans or the general public, or as often referred to, as this transcendent, archetypal moment, for the rest of all our lives and for as long as memories of sports are cherished in our culture. The figure of speech "for the ages" precisely and fairly makes this point.
1
The headline could also read (at the end):
... a Triumph for the Aged
4
I play golf a lot (poorly) and I know the demons of the game.
What this man has done is amazing and inspiring.
Please, Tiger, don't waste this moment by responding positively to the fawning that will inevitably come forth from DJT, whose character is the antithesis of what golfers hold high.
4
The only thing Americans love more than scandal is redemption. Congratulations, Tiger! It's great having you back.
9
He overcame his struggles as a public figure. Overcoming struggles is one thing; however, to overcome while others want you to fail is extraordinary.
652
@jcozzens So true..
12
@jcozzens No one who matters wanted him to "fail."
Even as other pros rose through the ranks, he was the only person who could reliably draw tv audiences. And, obviously, the roaring crowds at Augusta show that his popularity endured through his Majors drought.
I'll prove my point another way...quick, without looking, name anyone else who finished in the top five today.
25
@jcozzens. Who exactly wanted Tiger to fail? I don’t know anyone who did.
9
He is an amazing man. From disaster he rises. A good lesson for all of us.
5
Others may find it trite, I find it momentous. Good job Tiger.
13
After seeing his performance at the 2013 Masters, I knew it was just a matter of time. You can never count him out. Tiger Woods knows how to win.
2
Redemption. Forgiveness. We are all worthy of a second chance.
He worked through many problems, many self inflicted, he deserves our respect again.
488
@Sharon
He never lost my respect, because I'm not his judge. He was always just a golfer to me.
22
@Sharon
I still have no respect for him as a man.
8
@Jerry You “still have no respect for him as a man”? Too bad for you. Too bad that you can’t see that today it is precisely “as a man” that he deserves the most respect.
24
Back when I was on the high school gold team we all idolized Jack Nicklaus. Congratulations, Tiger, play as hard as you like but the Golden Bear will always be the champ.
3
Sure, Tiger was a serial cheater and ruined his marriage —but he paid dearly for these mistakes in lost tournament winnings, lost respect, and lost endorsements. But for those perfidies who knows how many majors he may have won before today. So let's say that Fate has evened the score for this all-too human character, and treat him with honor and dignity and give him credit where it is definitely due.
11
For those who still condemn Tiger for pass transgressions I must think that he paid his dues. His ex wife became a millionaire hundreds of times over and lives happily in Norway, and he had a most unlikely win. Forgive and let the past rest.
10
Good for him.
3
Dear Commentariat, this is just golf, a silly game (running for safety).
4
@PaulN
Is there any kind of athletic competition that is not a silly game to you?
@bob I ran 11 marathons, incl. one at Boston (I qualified for it). I could write you about my biking too.
@PaulN
OK, that was a serious question I asked and thank you for answering. Next question: what makes golf silly and racing not? Do golfers not train and practice and sacrifice in order to win? Do they not risk injury and humiliation? Is running or biking harder than hitting a golf ball where you want to several score times in an afternoon? Or does it depend on which physical and mental gifts different people have to work with in the first place? I mean, what does "silly" actually mean? No pun intended, but this really looks like it's just a matter of different strokes for different folks.
Does Lance have a chance?
No.
7
I started watching Paris-Roubaix at kilometer 30 and the race was spectacular. Then I watched the last 11 holes at Augusta National and was blown away by Tiger’s play. The greatest comeback ever in sports.
3
This gives me hope that America too -- after its fall from grace and weakened spine -- can rise again and be our very best.
5
I don't play golf, and I don't watch golf, but I'm so happy for Tiger Woods. Anyone who can persevere after 4 back surgeries to return to the pinnacle of his sport is worth celebrating.
Congratulations, Tiger! You are truly a champion.
13
America loves a good redemption story. Congratulations Tiger!
17
"a marital dispute led to a car accident and a succession of lurid tabloid headlines"
Yes, people of all descriptions, are now commonly trashed by big media. When a person errs or missteps, they shouldn't be endlessly publicly branded - again and again - for the rest of their lives.
Human worth is inherent - you don't have to be perfect to possess it.
6
@Peter Zenger It's one mention in a long dispatch, and is a relevant part of the story.
3
@Peter Zenger
Holy cow! That's a crucial part of what makes this story so dramatic.
1
Nice come back Tiger!
5
Shakespeare couldnt have written a better play. Regardless of your feelings regarding his personal and professional triumphs and tragedies.. you cannot deny this story that could be analyzed on tens of levels i.e perseverance and belief in oneself against impossibly long odds, exposing of one's indiscretions on a global level, among others. But here he is. Once again. Once again, if only for one day, the roar is back. Big Time.
15
Great to see Tiger back on top. The post win interview seems to reveal a more relaxed Tiger. I for one am super happy for Tiger and his family.
Meanwhile I’m guessing his spine surgeon will see an uptick in business.
4
I thought that Tiger Woods’s last major tournament victory, at the U.S.Open in 2008 in the playoff sudden death over Rocco Mediate, was his greatest performance as he, burdened with physical problems, took number 14 in his uphill boulder-push to reach the summit alongside the greatest, Jack Nicklaus. I was, as usual, wrong. This 15th major title is certain to qualify as one of sports’ most electric moments—ever.
Today’s thrilling Masters’ title—his fifth green jacket and his first in 11 years, is professional golf’s finest story, perhaps its greatest ever. Even if Woods never wins another PGA tour event and never reaches the game’s mountain top, where only the Golden Bear stands alone, this performance—his first ever when he strode to the first tee without the lead—he has triumphed over both personal failures and physical rehabilitation issues to reclaim the honor of the game and the esteem of fans who, perhaps, had dismissed him as a champion who ultimately proved unworthy of his history and of the game’s sternest sentinels and guardians of its treasures.
Jim Nantz (CBS) said afterwards, “There he is with his children. If this doesn’t bring a tear to your eye, you’re not human.”
What a tremendous story—return from the exile of anonymity from his self-destructive bent to a Masters tournament champion.
84
That was special. What a story. Whatever you think of Tiger Woods as a person you cannot deny that this is a feat of magnificence.
13
I have watched Tiger play golf since 1997. I always considered him to be a unique individual with emotional problems. He always seemed to struggle in the interviews to say the right thing. But he was the only golfer in modern times who I cared to watch play the game. After 2009 and his injuries and personal problems I just stopped watching golf on TV. It was not exciting for me anymore. But, yesterday for the first time in many years, I watched golf again on the tube. His unique charisma lured me back.
43
Glad you have jumped the gun on this. His comeback is complete? It has taken a major step forward but this is one Tournament Victory. He still has a ways to go to regain his dominant position. But I am very happy to see him so happy. It is great for golf.
5
One could say that Woods wins the Iron Throne.
Or is that a mixed meta-fore?
8
This was by far the best Masters ever. Almost six hours of riveting entertainment. Welcome back Tiger. This is really the art of the comeback. And thank you CBS for superb coverage. The balance between commentary and silence was perfect. Jim Nance And Sir Nick got it just right.
41
He had some issues to resolve, but who doesn't? It's disturbing to think that more attention went to his personal traumas than to our country being stolen out from under us by a corrupt administration.
Tiger is the Comeback Kid!
30
Early on everything came very easily to him. After the personal crash and surgeries he started at the bottom and slowly
worked his way up to the pinnacle of his sport again today. It is a great sports story but also an inspiring human story.
36
Good for him, he fought back hard.
17
Great for Tiger and even better for golf who sorely missed his quality (missing for too many years) at the top of the leader board. Golf has been leaderless for a decade with rotating pretenders, hyped up by a desperate media making every new lad a this or that champion, when many can't find the fairway on half their drives. Early on in this final round Tiger must have seen that the opposition were tighter than a drum (I did) so coasted home down the middle and was cooler than Luke.
13
Congratulations tiger wood I knew you can do it put mind body and soul and you won
Keep on going fo listen to the anyone except you caddy
Paul
4
Doug Mills hits another home run with that photograph. He is everywhere!
2
@Alex858
So don't read.
Not a huge Tiger fan, but I must admit this win is AMAZING. You gotta give it to a guy who never said "die," after 4 back surgeries and personal failures and embarrassments. I have great respect for this achievement and the VERY hard work it took him to get this huge win this weekend.
594
Plenty has been said and written about the personal issues, but today is a day for recognizing an amazing comeback and the determination and perseverance of a champion.
Congratulations, Tiger! Nike says “Just Do It” and You Did It!
438
@Lisa couldn’t have said it better!
6
@Lisa Nice, Lisa, you worked in a commercial plug for Nike. Maybe they will send you some free merchandise!!
3
@Lisa I love that Nike"Just Do it" motto I have a Nike Shirt that says "Run for You Life"..that is how I look at it
6
It is a rarity in Sports when the hoped-for implausible becomes reality; that's why we celebrate so much when it happens.
For Tiger to even play golf at anything over weekend duffer level after having so many would-be career ending injuries, let alone win this Championship is absolutely worth celebrating.
Congratulations, Tiger.
264
Tiger won this while making almost no putts during the last round. Young Tiger would have beaten these guys by 10 strokes. To win after the physical problems he has had is nothing short of a miracle. I can't wait for the US Open at Pebble Beach, site of his (and golf's) greatest performance.
297
@Realist
I would be beside myself to see “young tiger” come back. In part because all these young guys who’ve consistently patronized tiger (under the veil of respect) and said how much they “looked up to tiger as kids” will now have to actually compete against tiger woods. Let’s see how much they like him now. At least by all accounts Tiger was easy to hate back in the day due to his unfriendly and adversarial personality. Now he actually seems like a friendly guy. Look out!!
9
Congratulations on a comeback sports (we will leave the personal aside) achievement for the ages, that even you did not think was possible. (let alone your contemporaries)
I watched the last 4 days, and it seemed that he was firing on all cylinders. There were numerous chances where puts slipped by the hole by inches. Time and time again, he showed a veteran mental attitude to just bide time and make fairly safe shots when they were called for.
It didn't seem like he was going to make it, then multiple (4) players that were all on top of the leader board faltered on the 12th hole, and that was that. He took advantage of the break and then made some incredible shots going forward to take the lead and hold on.
The pressure of seeing a tiger lurking was too much.
169
@FunkyIrishman
RE: The pressure of seeing a tiger lurking was too much.
What a great line! Thanks so much!!
29
The best news in a long time, and Woods deserves the prize. He's got talent and guts and determination and no one can match what he's been through and come out smiling on the other end. God Bless him!
362
The Tiger roars again and the world listens. What a personal comeback and what an inspiring story. The Force is with him now.
25
This reader can't stop smiling at the thought of Tiger's out of this world accomplishment. What a triumph of the will - so many who so wanted and wished to see this are no longer around - thinking of them too.
31
Congrats on turning it all around Mr. Woods. What an inspiring story of redemption.
33
Watching Woods' coolness under pressure today was impressive. In his other Masters' wins, he was in the lead at the start of the the last day. This time, he was two down to start the day, and had large numbers of terrific golfers, all younger, tied for the lead or darned close to leading throughout the day. Woods also made some mistakes himself today, but he kept cool and persevered. Perhaps Tiger's personal adversities in the past decade or so have made him a better clutch performer. It'd be interesting for him to compare notes with Jack Nicklaus, and for them to write a book together about competing over the long haul.
13
I have to say that I'm not a Golf per se fan but my father is, and is also a fan of Tiger. This win today literally reduced me to tears.
34
Me too. Tiger has shown himself to be an inspiring human, flawed indeed, but capable of grace and fortitude.
32
@karen agree totally.
5
I do not really follow golf, but we walked into a restaurant and the crowd was going wild over Tiger. ( he had just won ) The playoff basketball game and the MLB game were not even noticed on the other screens.
17
Woods is an extraordinary man. Through hard work and persistence, he has managed to put his house in order.
There are not many people who could have pulled this off. Woods refused to give up on himself.
65
I do not forget the substantial emotional harm Tiger Woods inflicted on his innocent wife. Nonetheless, he is clearly a changed man and a worldwide inspiration to golfers for over two decades, especially non-white golfers.
Like Michael Phelps, he is both an all time great and an inspiration to those trying to overcome adversity.
Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player were wonderful golfers, but faced far less serious competition than Woods.
26
@DSM14
I wonder if he had to be shamed into tipping the clubhouse boys again?
1
@DSM14 His wife got $400,000,000.
I think she's over it.
Plus..she was a Nanny before she married him.
Word of caution to everyone else.
If you're Stanford, Harvard or Princeton material..don't marry the cute nanny who's only aspiration in life is to care for others.
2
@DSM14
Give it a rest. You have no idea if Tiger's wife was "innocent" or not because you have no idea what went on in their marriage. Also, Tiger Woods doesn't care what you remember or forget.
5
Best . . . golfer . . . ever.
53
Promise me this means I will never have to see another story about Tiger Woods, or the "struggles" of rich white men who become millionaires without ever winning a tournament.
8
@Kenneth Ranson sure , winning a game really impacts the world.
1
I'm confused. They're still playing.
1
@beth day what country do you live in? 😂
@beth day. Replay.
1
@beth day They started early due to a poor weather forecast. After Tiger won, they started showing the tournament again (not long after its originally scheduled broadcast time).
4
I’m all for this big comeback. But then I see the coverage of Tiger, Nicklaus and trump playing golf together - as if child kidnapping had never happened. They associate with this … individual. Winning doesn’t always mean everything. But I am looking forward to the New York Post headline!
3
@Michael Cody- Agreed.
1
A great personal triumph because he had to overcome so much in his life to achieve this.
12
Good for Tiger! He wasn't always the best sport, didn't always treat his fans well (or his wife, for that matter), but he was raised by an obsessive zealot of a father and he has had to swallow his pride, admit his mistakes and eat humble pie in order to fight to come back. I say good for him! He has shown his children what it means to be a good sport and a good father, something his father failed to do for him.
38
@Preserving America
So much moralizing! As they say, just chill!
3
The King is back on his throne. what a come back. what a story of human triumph
10
His age is mentioned in the article a few times as if it's a major disadvantage in golf. For heaven's sake, this is not tennis! If anything, as the final threesome grouping proves, Tiger held nerves better than the youngster.
Trump plays golf every other weekend and he's the least fit person in the world. Imagine if he played tennis every other week with that gorgeous body of his :)
8
@Max W what does Trump have to do with this?
3
@Max W- Trump uses a golf cart..... even on the greens. Also, Trump it is well known that Trump cheats at golf.
3
Goosebumps swept over me when I saw the headline. Congratulations to Tiger Woods. This win was a triumph over adversity and an remarkable achievement.
I don't even play golf but I recognize an amazing effort when I see one.
35
This country was founded as a second chance for all (at least until trump). Most of us respect those who turned things around successfully.
Tiger has had a long road back; congratulations to him and I hope he continues to thrive!
61
I hope Tiger can keep it going and surpass Nicklaus. He still has the drive. We’ll see if his back holds up.
I haven’t seen the finish yet, but it’s nice to read that his children were there. Our daughter asked me how I could root for a man who would betray his wife and family. I suspect that he will never get over his arrogance and stupidity. To have it all and squander it - Tiger will be making amends forever.
10
Tiger's win is the second greatest comeback in golf history (the first was Hogan's comeback after a near-fatal car crash), and he richly deserves all the accolades for his perseverance and determination. I've been watching the Master's for over 45 years and this year's edition was the most exciting. I do have one negative comment about the TV broadcast - in past years the Master's Golf Club limited commercials, but to the detriment of the TV audience this year they did not.
14
Wahoo! It's time someone taught those whippersnappers who's the boss.
23
I’m 68 and been watching golf ever since I was a mere pup with my father, who loved to play the game. I’m glad I’ve lived long enough to see this moment.
It shows a couple of things. First if your focused and determined enough sometimes one can overcome “the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune” be they physical or self inflicted through poor judgment or lack of character.
Secondly it’s a story of of endurance, humility, pity and redemption, the kind of stuff that Faulkner spoke of so searingly in The Bear, which are the axioms of successful existence.
76
Tiger's win today was so inspiring on many levels, some golf and some just human aspirations to overcome adversity.
18
Still can't forgive him for how he treated his wife. Certainly can't forget.
18
@Penni Gladstone
I am sure you have lived an unblemished life. Thankfully its not your forgiveness that he requires or needs.
28
@Penni Gladstone, except his wife did have to forgive him to move on, and to help raise their children without poisoning them with anger. And your lack of forgiveness for someone you don't even know says more about you than it does about Tiger Woods.
26
@penni gladstone
His ex-wife has forgiven him — seems a bit odd that you (and many other posters) cannot?
I’m not condoning his actions, but I’m loathe to permanently sanction someone for private transgressions when the victim offers forgiveness.
17
When I read this I couldn't believe it!! Way to go Tiger!!! This will always be your greatest comeback and win!! Enjoy!!!
12
I don't care about golf. I don't play it, I don't watch it. But this is just such great news. Congratulations Tiger!!!
15
I'm happy that Tiger Woods gets to wear the green blazer once again. While he had some self-inflicted issues with which to deal, I have always thought that he dealt with the press and the public with dignity after his fall from grace. He overcame excruciating back pain/injuries to come back all of the way to the top. I've experienced acute back pain before and to go out and swing a golf club the way he does after his back injuries and surgeries is beyond what I would ever do.
Congratulations Tiger!!
21
Good for you, Tiger! You persevered and won!
5
I thought he was an idiot for his behavior off the golf course, but I still tuned in if he was in contention on a Sunday. The good news is that this shuts up every sports talk radio "expert" who said he was done and would never win another major.
14
Hip, Hip, Hooray!!!!
11
It COULD of happened to a nicer guy.
17
@LBH But it couldn't have happened to a better golfer.
23
How cool is that?!?!
7
An amazing comeback after a decade of physical and personal setbacks. Whether you like Tiger Woods as a person or not, his performance as a golfer and sportsman at Augusta was amazing.
I visited Augusta back in the 80's (well, a friend and I snuck in a service entrance and hit a couple of balls). The venue is the epitome of nature manicured impeccably. At least back then, it was surround by tall barbed-wire fences and bordered by properties that were often mere shacks. The dichotomy was glaring.
I get particular joy today, to see Tiger win. I wonder how proud our President is in Tiger's achievement. And Tiger didn't even cheat!
13
We are all one today with this magnificent achievement.
13
@JBC
Well-noted! May it ever be so!
4
He rose at 3:45 a.m. this morning to begin preparing his body and mind to compete. What Tiger and his few peers across all sports do to win is jaw-dropping.
20
Like all amazing moments in sports, this one will be long-remembered, but it's this Hollywood fall-from-grace and return-to-greatness plot that is almost unbelievable.
Yet, somehow, considering that it's Tiger, I think many of us truly thought this day WOULD come.
17
Wow. What a comeback. I know he's happy to prove he can break through and win again after ten years of struggle. I can almost feel the emotion in the photo. Congratulations Tiger.
40
I have never played golf, but this moved me a great deal. Tiger fought so hard for so long, and failed - only to step back and try again... and again.
This is his greatest win ever. He will be long remembered, not for the large number of wins, but for his great persistence.
THIS is what a Champion looks like!
493
Wow! What an amazing comeback to the top of the game. Truly inspirational. Go Tiger!
56
From the darkness, comes the light. Even if you aren’t a fan of golf or of him personally, you have to admire his steely resolve.
I realize he caused a lot of pain to himself and to others, but his ability to keep moving forward is heartening. Not one of us is perfect. Congratulations on his storied win.
The human spirit is remarkable.
708
Tiger's victory at the Masters made me teary-eyed when I wasn't expecting it. When he lifted up his son, hugged his daughter and mother, and then the cut back to when he hugged his dad after his first win at Augusta National -- so moving. What an awesome victory after so many years of setbacks.
283
@PE
Absolutely spot on
14
Congratulations Tiger Woods, a great comeback. Many of us go through difficult stages in our lives, and then many of us recover and move forward, as you have.
Again, congratulations.
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Congratulations on a comeback sports (we will leave the personal aside) achievement for the ages, that even you did not think was possible. (let alone his contemporaries)
I watched the last 4 days, and it seemed that he was firing on all cylinders. There were numerous chances where puts slipped by the cup by inches. Time and time again, he showed a veteran mental attitude to just bide time and make fairly safe drives when they were called for.
It didn't seem like he was going to make it, then multiple (4) players that were all on top of the leader board faltered on the 12th , and that was that. He took advantage of the break and then made some incredible swings going forward to take the lead and hold on.
The pressure of seeing a tiger lurking was too much.
58
Never give up, never surrender. What a win for, if not the greatest golfer ever, the greatest golfer of his generation. A Masters champion again. We who have lived through his golf career have seen the impact his career has had on the game. There is not a player of the last 20 plus years who should not truly appreciate his contributions. Well done Tiger, thanks for the memories of old, today, and those to come.
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@Jacksonian Democrat ...but he won the masters precisely because he did surrender, he reached out and sought help, acknowledged he was powerless and opened up about his desperation and dependencies. He beat it by admitting defeat. Then got on with his life and his golf. That’s a brilliant lesson for us all.
4
Excellent news! After two years of American misery, pain and angst, we finally have something positive to celebrate. Congratulations to Tiger Woods and to his family and fans on a well-earned victory!
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@H. Clark
What misery, pain and angst?
Life is wonderful in America.
3
@JQGALT The real misery, pain and angst of waking up every day with Trump still President. At least it is so for those able to reflect.
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Congratulations to Tiger. But, why is the article so full of euphemism. It just talks about "his car accident" without mentioning that he broke his marriage vows and destroyed his family.
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@Amy
In a perfect world, mistakes are left behind, so not even the most jaded and snarkiest could revive them.
25
@Amy Maybe because that has nothing to do with what the article is about?
49
We know he broke his marriage vows by engaging in sexual activity with other women. We don’t know whether his spouse broke her marriage vows in other ways - or what caused him to do what he did. Why is the only marriage vow that counts involve sex.
Judge not ...
33
As someone who watched Tiger Woods from the time he was child golf prodigy, I'm so happy for and proud of him.
Way to go, Tiger!
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