Woods is celebrated by the fans on the 18th hole
As he approached the green on the 18th hole yesterday, thousands of spectators awaited him, giving him a standing ovation. Tiger Woods, otherwise cool and unapproachable, took off his cap and smiled. It seemed like he could really enjoy this moment.
A return to the professional tour was unthinkable until a few weeks ago – after his serious car accident around 14 months ago, in which he went off the road in his SUV at high speed. After that, an amputation of his legs was under discussion, and he could not get out of bed for three months.
The opening round on Thursday is the most impressive
His surprise return, of all things, at the tournament in which he had already crowned a comeback with victory three years ago, electrified golf fans in the USA. Woods was celebrated for every shot he made on his comeback in Augusta. Regardless of whether they succeeded or failed.
After his strong opening lap on Thursday, quite a few even believed he was capable of the big surprise and actually victory. On Friday, treacherous winds made life difficult for Woods. On Saturday he showed great weaknesses with the putter on the green. On Sunday he already seemed a little exhausted.
Woods leaves numerous top golfers behind
Who can blame him. It was only his iron will that made his return to the top of the golf world possible. He walked around ten kilometers every day. His physical therapists would have him”Repair night after night“, says Woods. If you looked closely, you could make out a slight limp.
But even if Woods didn’t win in the end and may have missed the greatest possible miracle, just that he played at Augusta, made the cut and fared far better than many other world-class golfers is a miracle.
Woods announces start at British Open
Anyone who saw him play yesterday in the red shirt that is typical for him on the day of the final will have felt as if he had been transported back in time. His swing and physical fitness are still impressive. His passion is an inspiration.
After the final hole in Augusta, Woods announced he would be at the in July start British Open to want. He cannot say whether his body will allow further starts until then. “Every single day is a challenge” he had previously explained. “I wake up and start the fight over and over again.“