On Sunday all the talk in the US was about the return of a fallen hero. This was nothing to do with international politics or war zones. This was golf. Someone who had been to hell and back these past ten years had returned to the big time. Personal issues and a long line of injuries saw his career grind to a halt until Sunday. Maybe the win was the most important tournament victory of his career. For a man who has won many, that’s a big statement.
Tiger Woods conquered his fifteenth Major victory in Georgia last week to leave him just three behind legend Jack Niklaus. The Master victory on Sunday three British and US Open and four USPGA. He will be one of the greatest in history without any doubt, but can he be the one on the top of the scoreboard for ever?
There was a time when Tiger wasn’t sure he would be playing golf at the highest level again. He couldn’t have chosen a better venue or moment. His comeback also needed a comeback. Francesco Molinari had conceded only one bogey after three days. He led by two shots on the final day. But Tiger was in Tiger mood.
If you are not a golf fan you might ask yourself what is all the fuss about? If you play golf, you know how important a clear mind is. Golf requires composure. Concentration. Patience. Pause. Tiger showed them all. Mental strength has been Tiger’s way back to the top. Careful on first day, aggressive on day two, decisive the following with a key putt. On the final day the pressure was on. The public were expectant. Cameras and journalists ready to lead with the great Tiger Woods comeback. Tiger didn’t disappoint.
You might like the sport or not, admire the man or player, or not, but one has to concede that this story has the makings of a movie. Talent, fitness and the right psychology are so important in any modern game. When the right balance is there, and a player has the right focus and desire, and sometimes a bit of luck, a return to the glory days is possible.
The Tiger was knocked down or maybe fell down himself, but the news is he is on his feet again and winning. If he keeps playing this way, fans will be delighted, his peers will be in awe, and maybe he will finish his career with more titles than the rest. Though, if he doesn’t, the Tiger will be remembered as one of the greatest, if not the greatest player of all time… time will tell.
Etienne GAGNON
