Tiger Woods is responsible for many of the most memorable moments in golf history.
His first Masters came in 1997 when a 21-year-old Woods set the course record. Or the 2000 US Open, when Woods won by a margin of 15 shots that remains the widest of any major. Or the Masters in 2001, when he completed the “Tiger Slam” and was the first golfer to hold all four major titles at the same time.
Three years ago, Woods captivated the world while at the Masters by winning an elusive 15th Major after more than 10 years of battling injury and personal struggles. Of course they are only something of the greatest hits for arguably the greatest golfer of all time. The complete list is long enough to fill a book.
Skip Bayless said Wood’s recent exploits – less than 14 months after surviving a near-fatal car crash and suffering compound fractures in his right leg – shot 1 under par to finish the first round of last week’s Masters in 10th place – outshine everything you do.
“Tiger Woods simply pulled off the greatest feat of his career and probably the most amazing athletic feat I’ve ever seen,” Bayless claimed. “Not much more than a year after, as you know, he almost lost his life, almost losing his leg in a car accident that was entirely his fault, Tiger Woods showed up at the age of 46 and with absolutely zero competition in the Augusta National on preparation, played zero tournaments before to play against the best field in the world, the best players in the world who have played other tournaments in the last three months to prepare for it that Tournament in golf, the Masters.”
Wood’s amazing opening round gave him enough cushion to make the cut, unlike younger stars Brooks Koepka, Bryson DeChambeau and Jordan Spieth. The most successful golfer of all time then literally hobbled to the finish line while hitting a Masters career-low 78 in each of the last two rounds to finish the tournament 13 overs and 23 strokes behind winner Scottie Scheffler.
A humiliating ending only made Woods even more popular with all viewers.
“Tiger Woods stole the Masters,” Bayless said. “Tiger Woods completely turned the Masters on its head. Tiger Woods turned Sunday’s leaderboard into the biggest disappointment in Masters history. Tiger Woods won the Masters by finishing 47th out of 52, breaking the average made, 47th of 52, but he won it walking away.”
It’s often said that the Masters doesn’t start until Sunday night before the back nine. It ended for Bayless in the early afternoon.
“The Masters Sunday moment came four hours before the leaders even teeed off when Tiger Woods hobbled to the 18th fairway to the most loving ovation he’s ever received,” Bayless said. “We were just as grateful as he was. He was back and that was all that mattered that Masters Sunday. …
“It’s just amazing.”
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Golf – PGA – Masters Tournament – 4/7/2022
