For all the personal turmoil this is a new nadir for a sporting great – let’s not forget what joy he brought to golf and how impossible this downfall once seemedThe celebration of that chip-in at Augusta National’s 16th in 2005. His tears on the final green at Hoylake after winning the Open the following year, two months after the death of his father. Winning the US Open in 2008, when in such physical distress he barely had the use of his left leg.In a parallel universe these would be the lingering snapshot memories of Tiger Woods but on Monday, regardless of all the glory and the 14 major titles, the image which will inevitably become a Tiger Woods reference...
From the nearly man who gave golf lessons to Dwight Eisenhower to a player whose clothing would have made Payne Stewart look like Johnny Cash Related: The 94-year-old Masters champion, who shares Tiger’s locker, on why he won’t go back Related: Masters 2017: Contenders and outsiders to watch, from Johnson to Luck Nicklaus warmly congratulated his victor, who was quick to offer an apology for misinterpreting eventsThe beginning of the Tiger era – and one of those rare events that can genuinely be described as epochal Related: The forgotten story of … the 1966 Masters | Scott Murray Continue reading...
Watching Tiger Woods now is a struggle but the 20th anniversary of his first Augusta triumph stirs memories of a first-day tee shot that signalled his greatnessThe morning at Augusta National had been spent following Lee Westwood, an early starter in the first round of the 1997 Masters. At 23, the Englishman was making his Masters debut. Just to remind him of where he was, his drive off the first tee flew into an enormous sand trap, setting up a double bogey.Four hours later, as a chastened Westwood was signing for a five‑over‑par 77, news was coming in from the front nine about a worse catastrophe that appeared to be about to engulf an even younger player. Making his much...
Golf would relish a Tiger Woods renaissance, which the 14-times major champion, against all odds, reckons is still plausibleMuch has changed in Tiger Woods since his years of dominance were ended by drama and injury but his mindset is one thing that remains. In Dubai on Wednesday, as he prepared for the rarity of a second tournament in as many weeks, he insisted he has no intention of becoming a ceremonial golfer.The 14-times major champion is also not of a mind for quiet reflection. “I try not to go down that path because I like to consider myself a player and a guy that is playing out here and competing,” he said. “I know I’ve been away from it for...
USA’s wildcard Ryan Moore sealed victory for the team but Darren Clarke’s picks were more mixed, while Rory McIlroy has become Europe’s chief cheerleader Related: Ryder Cup 2016: USA sweep to victory as Rory McIlroy and Europe taste defeat Related: Danny Willett defends brother’s comments on American Ryder Cup fans Related: Rory McIlroy: Ryder Cup defeat hurts but USA win is good for golf Continue reading...