924 days. That’s how long since Tiger Woods won a PGA Tour event.
All the haters had their opinions: ‘He’ll never be back. He’ll never win again.’
All the sponsors dropped him except one. He weathered the scandals, the injuries, the negative media attention.
Haney’s new book, ‘The Big Miss’, full of non-news about how he didn’t share popsicles and wanted to be a Navy SEAL, will be released just before the year’s first major—the Masters.
For the first time in years he played in the final group and held the lead alone on Sunday. Alongside 2010 US Open champion Graeme McDowell, Tiger never lost that lead. Even when the Ulsterman eagled the 6th and Tiger had to settle for a 2-putt bird. McDowell’s 35-footer might have been the shot of the day. But it was not enough to prevent the end of his longest winless streak as a pro.
The 3-shot victory was his 7th win at Arnie’s tournament. Every player wants to win there at Bay Hill. Arnold Palmer is golf’s greatest ambassador. He has given more to golf in his 82 years than anyone. He brought the game to the masses and the masses to the courses.
The King, whose popularity perhaps exceeded only by Tiger Eldrick Woods, was hospitalized Sunday afternoon with high blood pressure and missed the trophy presentation.
Tiger’s approach shot into 18 was well left of the flagstick, the safest part of the green. He may not be the pin-attacking Tiger of old yet but give him time. Give him time.
With the Masters just 2 weeks away, T. Woods moves within 1 of Jack Nicklaus in pro wins. But his 14 majors are still 4 back of the Golden Bear’s 18. At just 36 years-old, his obsession to pass Nicklaus is still Ahab-like.
Quick, who won the 2011 Masters? Charl Schwartzel birdied the last 4 holes to do it, a feat as rare these days as Tiger Woods hoisting a trophy.
Until now.
The azaleas and dogwoods are in full bloom. Many of the world’s best players, like Rory McIlroy and Luke Donald now at the tops of their games. The stage is being set for this year’s Masters to be the most anticipated major since 2008.
We all know how that turned out.