Comeback Glory: Tiger Woods

By Riley S

Don’t we all love an underdog or a great comeback story? Well, Tiger Woods has one for the ages.

At the age of 20, Tiger Woods won three straight amateur titles in golf while in college. Also in 1996, he was awarded the PGA’s rookie of the year award and Sports Illustrated “Sportsperson of the Year” award. Additionally, he signed endorsement deals with Nike and Titleist. It was the most lucrative deal ever for a golfer. Eventually, he ranked number 33 in the world.

His star continued to rise. In 1997, he became the youngest person to ever win the Master’s and his world ranking shot to number one. Things continued to go his way and in 1999 he was the Associated Press’ Athlete of the Year. He won nine PGA events in 2000 and became Sporting News’ Most Powerful Person in Sports.

In 2008, Tiger would start to suffer injuries and his world ranking would eventually drop to number 58 between the years 2011 and 2013. His injuries included his knee, achilles, neck, and elbows. Recovery was slow, but in 2009, the scandal hit. Word got out that he had had multiple affairs. When his wife found out she scratched up his face and chased him out the house with a golf club. She smashed out the rear window of his SUV as Tiger sped off and crashed into a fire hydrant. His wife had to pull him out of the vehicle. After the story broke, he offered an apology and went into rehab and also, took a break from golf. Additionally ,he lost some of his lucrative endorsement deals.

He returned to golf in 2010 with a fourth place finish in the Master’s, as well as a divorce. He continued to do well with winning and returned to his number one world ranking.

The back trouble began and resulted in a total of four back surgeries. Tiger was in terrible pain and became addicted to painkillers. He also used marijuana as an adjunct to the painkillers. He was arrested for DUI and went to rehab for the addiction to pain pills. He had to issue another public apology, as well as, pay a fine and perform community service. He would also see his world ranking drop to 1193. He had missed a lot of months of golf due to his back issues.

He started to come back slowly in 2018 eventually winning an event. Then in 2019, he makes his triumphant come back with a win at the Masters. He had been behind most of the tournament and only won by a single stroke. This was his fifth green jacket and 15th major event win at the age of 43. Woods became the second all-time majors winner behind Jack Nicklaus, who has 18 wins. Tiger is the youngest career grand slam champion. His story is one of perseverance, redemption, and forgiveness. The world was ready to witness it because it speaks to hope. And we need some of that in the world today.