Masters in Augusta: Absent & submerged – Tiger Woods remains to be omnipresent | EUROtoday

Actually, Tiger Woods would have had each purpose to have a good time on the Masters. 25 years in the past in April he made historical past on the Augusta National Golf Club: With his triumph on the 2001 Masters, he accomplished the historic “Tiger Slam”. Between June 2000 and April 2001, the famous person received all 4 main tournaments in a row. In view of the most recent headlines surrounding him, the now 50-year-old Californian’s celebration temper has disappeared.

After one other automobile accident and a short arrest on drug expenses just a few days in the past in his adopted residence of Jupiter Island in Florida, Woods did not even journey to Augusta. The followers should make do with out their favourite on the Masters, which begins on Thursday. The US golf star had introduced an indefinite break. He will take the time “it takes to come back healthier, stronger and more focused – both personally and professionally,” the 15-time main winner wrote on social media. He is conscious of the seriousness of the state of affairs.

There is now additionally criticism of his habits from the scene. “He’s a human being like everyone else and we’re having trouble. It’s a shame. The only thing I don’t understand is that it’s a little selfish of him to drive and put other people in danger,” stated golf professional Jason Day. “But if you’re the player he was and you’re that strong-willed, he thinks he can do almost anything. And that’s probably why he drives, even if he’s a little under the influence of drugs.”

Woods nonetheless the savior of golf?

Despite his absence, Woods will as soon as once more be the primary subject of dialog on the first main match of the 12 months. Woods’ position as a savior within the golf world will probably be hotly debated. Is he nonetheless the suitable individual to resolve all the issues and issues in golf?

It is already clear that he is not going to be accessible as the brand new captain for the US group within the Ryder Cup in 2027. But not only for this workplace, additionally in planning and future problems with the PGA Tour, within the seek for an answer to the dispute with the LIV Tour, which is financed by Saudi Arabia, or within the challenge of introducing a brand new golf collection underneath the corridor roof – his identify is all the time talked about or he’s actively concerned within the negotiations himself.

And now the latest automobile accident in Florida throws him off monitor once more. The police picture taken after his arrest reveals a drained and burnt-out Woods. The way forward for the golf phenomenon appears extra open than ever.

Augusta National Golf Club, Woods’ oasis of well-being

The legendary Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia was all the time a spot of well-being and sporting success for Woods. He received an important main right here 5 occasions alone – most lately in 2019 with one of many biggest comebacks in sports activities historical past. Eleven years after his final main success on the PGA Championship in 2008, the then 43-year-old celebrated his fifteenth main title. His first Masters victory in 1997 paved the best way for a glamorous future for the younger Tiger Woods from Augusta.

But his distinctive life’s work was not solely characterised by triumphant victories, radiant splendor and unimaginable comebacks. Even powerful setbacks and lengthy intervals of struggling accompanied the golf icon. Marital crises, amorous affairs, divorce and 4 automobile accidents have been a part of it, as have been the numerous operations on the again, knees, legs, ankle and Achilles tendon, in addition to the following rehabilitation measures.

The laborious coaching over many years has left deep marks on his battered physique. Even as a toddler, his father Earl, a Vietnam veteran, groomed him for achievement with navy drills. He has already hit thousands and thousands of balls throughout the golf programs and driving ranges. A one-sided pressure that demanded every part from the physique regardless of refined coaching strategies and accompanying physio packages. The man who was on the high of the world rankings for 683 weeks has all the time fought his method again.

There is an enormous query mark as as to whether Woods will seem on the large golf stage once more. The golf icon, who was bodily scarred particularly after a severe automobile accident in 2021, didn’t announce his resignation – however a comeback as knowledgeable appears more and more unrealistic given the brand new incident, his age and the lengthy break.