On Tuesday morning, the sports world along with so many others were gut-wrenched by the news that golfing legend Tiger Woods had been involved in a single-vehicle accident in Los Angeles, California.
Unsure of the aftermath or repercussions of the crash, flashbacks of a nightmare day back in January of 2020 when the world was robbed of the precious lives of nine people, one of which being Lakers icon Kobe Bryant.
As we refreshed our timelines and slowly received news about the crash involving Woods, golf fans, as well as people who were just naturally attracted to the career of Tiger Woods, reminisced on what has been a shapeshifting and unprecedented journey on the PGA Tour and far beyond the game, too.
Learning that Tiger’s life was not in danger and that he was awake and responsive prior to going into emergency surgery, and that he was under strict medical attention at the hospital, we breathed a sigh of relief.
Though as we are still so unsure of the impact of his injuries, those of which including multiple broken bones in his lower right leg, we question where Tiger’s career goes from here, and if we will see him again playing competitively in the future.
For many, it is easy to believe that there is no chance this is the last of Tiger, I feel the same way. Tiger is gritty and determined and understands the power he has on the game and communities around the world.
His aura and stature attract eyes and make people tune into a sport that needs him s desperately.
Someday down the road, after a long and draining path to recovery, we will hopefully get to see Tiger Woods continue on his journey to Jack Nicklaus’ majors record, and restart what he was able to build up over his many years of dominance and prominence within the sports world.
I wanted to include some of my personal favourite Tiger moments in this piece, and share some of my thoughts on how Tiger has impacted golf and the world as an athlete and now icon.
TIger’s Comeback at the 2012 Arnold Palmer Invitational –
My first ever Sunday of watching an entire round of professional golf. I was tuned in from Tiger’s first tee drive until the very last putt that claimed his five-stroke victory in Florida.
His first PGA Tour win in over 2 years since struggling with his back injuries and withdrawing from many events prior.
Tiger was so dominant on this day and throughout the entire tournament. The way he approached every shot was so locked in and even in the more pressurized spots he was clinical and his execution looked as if it never lost a step in all the time off.
These will be some of my favourite moments that I have witnessed in my time of watching the great game of golf. Tiger has had a massive influence on me getting into the sport as well as making it such a cool hobby for people to get into and play.
Golf had never been so cool before Tiger. When he would walk up the first hole with his hat on backwards or his Sunday red and black attire that he claimed so many of his dramatic victories and runaway titles in, Tiger Woods made golf have swag.
That shot was just a display of what this player could do with a golf club in his hands, it had absolutely no business going in, but it’s Tiger.
Clutch Tiger at the 2008 U.S. Open –
The final hole of the 2008 U.S. Open was the scene of probably the most iconic shot of Tiger Woods’ career to date. Needing a birdie on the 18th to force a playoff at Torrey Pines, Woods’ 2nd shot laid him up to about 15 feet, where it came down to his signature putting ability.
From there it is history, and as Dan Hicks said in a legendary broadcasting call of the ages; “expect anything different?”
Tiger’s 15th Major at the 2019 Masters –
This one resonates with anyone who is in touch with the sports world. There is something about the Masters that adds a little extra emotion and drama with every shot. On Sunday is in patented red and black, Tiger came from behind to claim his fifth green jacket and fifteenth major victory on tour.
At age 43 and entering Sunday two strokes back of the leader, Tiger put on a classic display of poise and resilience to get the job done at Augusta. Golf fan or not, this is the ultimate story of human perseverance.
Through tough times, self-inflicted or otherwise, we’ve all in some way been through what he’s been through. And to find that self-belief that you can still rise up from your personal adversity and succeed once more… well, Tiger’s accomplishment transcends any sports accomplishment or cool coloured jacket you can be given, it’s just life.
That is why we love sports, people!
Tiger the Father –
The most recent of my most fond memories of the GOAT came at the PNC Championship in Orlando in December of 2020.
Tiger Woods and his son Charlie were the duo that stole the show all weekend, side by side looking like mirror images of each other, incapsulating some amazing moments and a side of Tiger that we could never have seen before.
All the accomplishments and accolades didn’t matter at this tournament, all that did was the pure and unfiltered bond between a father and son on the course, and it was Charlie who was showing off what he had picked up under his iconic father.
The PNC Championship is a unique event on the PGA TOUR Champions schedule where 20 Major winners compete as a team alongside a family member. Although TIger and Charlie finished 5 combined strokes behind the winners Justin Thomas and his father, they left the weekend with something much more valuable than a title.
On the road to recovery, I hope TIger can find healing and peace with what he has done for a game and communities everywhere. His knack for getting better and breaking barriers had created a legacy that will go unmatched for eternity, now all we can do is pray we get to see him return and make even more prominent memories.
Get well soon, Tiger.
Evan Power, Evolution 107.9