I sat like most eager sports fans today, eyes glued and fingers crossed watching Tiger Woods playing on a Sunday, in contention for his 80th PGA tour win - the first time in nearly four and a half years. Starting the day tied for second, one stroke behind leader Corey Connors, the storyline was set for a Tiger Woods fashioned comeback and a much-needed one for a guy who has been out of the limelight and thrown in the scrapheap. Forgotten.
The round was filled with as much energy and drama as any typical Sunday outing with Woods in the mix. It was a record attendance. It felt as if he had never left. Walking up to the final hole of his round with the chance to tie leader Paul Casey and send his match into a playoff, I couldn’t help but notice Tiger flash the crowd a soft smile. He seemed poised and confident; he had been in this situation so many times before.
Unfortunately, Tiger would miss the uphill 38-foot putt and tie for second place, but all in all, it is safe to say that Tiger Woods is back. Not only is this great timing for the sport of golf, with The Masters less than a month away, but it’s also great to see one of the most iconic athletes of all time back out on the course feeling happy and playing well, having overcome so much adversity both on and off the golf course.
With the Arnold Palmer Invitational this weekend at Bay Hill Country Club, a course Woods has previously won eight times throughout his career, this final tune-up will give Tiger another opportunity to gain experience out on the course and enjoy playing in front of a familiar crowd before his biggest and most anticipated test in years: playing at The Masters.
Watching him play in his typically Sunday attire, a red polo and jet black pants, felt like a blast from the past. I remember him approaching the last three holes, down by two strokes and believing that there would be some Tiger magic to unfold.
Sure enough, there was, in dramatic fashion. On the 17th hole, Tiger rattled in a 40-foot birdie putt to pull him within one stroke with one final hole to play. The emotions of Sunday golf were in full swing. The crowds were chanting Woods' name and he was ready to roll. I had to double back and make sure this was real life I was experiencing. It had been so long since Tiger was out on the prowl searching for a victory. I feel like I have a familiar Sunday activity back: watching Tiger. I have missed him.
Despite him coming up just short on the last hole, to a guy who shot an impressive 65 and moved up 14 spots on his final round to claim the title, it was a victory day for Tiger Woods.
In a very productive weekend for Tiger Woods, he showed promising signs and proved that his grit and determination as an athlete has not been lost. All eyes will be on him to regain glory and prestige as he plays in The Masters this April.