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Best comeback ever? Tiger Woods wins Masters, 11 years after last major title

Apr 15, 2019

Tiger Woods celebrated the win in front of the crowd. Source: Getty.

Tiger Woods has shocked world leaders, celebrities and fans alike after pulling off one of the best golfing comebacks in history and winning the 83rd Masters tournament – 11 years after his last major title.

The 43-year-old sportsman couldn’t hide his happiness as he embraced his son Charlie as well as daughter Sam, his mother Kultida and girlfriend Erica Herman following the win, while shouting into the crowd and throwing his hands in the air.

Woods claimed the fifth Green Jacket in Augusta, Georgia, US, with a closing 70 to finish 13 under par, one shot ahead of Dustin Johnson, Xander Schauffele and Brooks Koepka – scoring him his 15th major title.

"THE RETURN TO GLORY!"

Tiger Woods wins the Masters for the 5th time. pic.twitter.com/u3cNdQm6MG

— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) April 14, 2019

It marks the golfing champion’s first win at The Masters since his father Earl Woods, who introduced him to golf at the age of two, sadly died from a heart attack in 2006.

And it comes after years of personal struggles including brushes with the law and heath scares for Woods.

But he had his devoted kids cheering him on throughout and amazing footage captured the moment Woods’ son ran out to hug his famous dad following the victory, with the sportsman appearing to become emotional in front of the cheering crowd.

Simply incredible. pic.twitter.com/cWIpdMpfzy

— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) April 14, 2019

Speaking to CBS after his win on Sunday, Woods described the tournament as “one of the hardest that I’ve ever had to win, just because of what has transpired over the past couple of years in trying to come back and play”.

According to Fox Sports, he added: “I could barely walk. Couldn’t sleep. Couldn’t walk. Couldn’t do anything.

“To have the opportunity to come back, it’s one of the biggest wins I’ve ever had for sure.”

The star reportedly went on: “I’m a little hoarse from yelling… To have my kids there, it’s come full circle; my dad was here (when I won) in 1997 and now I’m the dad with two kids here.”

US President Donald Trump led the congratulations messages on Twitter, writing: “Love people who are great under pressure. What a fantastic life comeback for a really great guy!”

Meanwhile tennis champ Serena Williams admitted she was in tears watching the win, as she wrote on Twitter: “I am literally in tears watching @TigerWoods this is Greatness like no other. Knowing all you have been through physically to come back and do what you just did today? Wow Congrats a million times! I am so inspired thank you buddy.”

I am literally in tears watching @TigerWoods this is Greatness like no other. Knowing all you have been through physically to come back and do what you just did today? Wow Congrats a million times! I am so inspired thank you buddy.

— Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) April 14, 2019

Former president Barack Obama added: “Congratulations, Tiger! To come back and win the Masters after all the highs and lows is a testament to excellence, grit, and determination.”

And actor Tom Brady wrote: “Congrats Tiger! What a performance..”

It has been a long & uncertain journey of 14 years since your last Green Jacket. A monumental challenge. For most an impossible task. But not for you. Congratulations Tiger. So special for you & your family. So great for the game of golf. Simply unbelievable. My very best. GP pic.twitter.com/Cw1Hzb9UOE

— GARY PLAYER (@garyplayer) April 14, 2019

Meanwhile South African golfer Gary Player shared some lovely photos of Woods hugging his mum and family, while writing: “It has been a long & uncertain journey of 14 years since your last Green Jacket. A monumental challenge.

“For most an impossible task. But not for you. Congratulations Tiger. So special for you & your family. So great for the game of golf. Simply unbelievable. My very best. GP.”