20 years ago, a babyfaced Tiger Woods became the youngest Master’s winner in PGA history at only 21:
Fast forward to today, and the world is left with a Tiger Woods that seems to be a shell of his former, exciting self.
Career-endangering back & knee injuries (and maybe a couple golf clubs upside the head), seemed to have robbed the sports world of an unprecedented level of greatness Woods was heading for, and in the latest blow of bad news; Woods has announced he would be sitting out this year’s Master’s due to injury, via his website:
“Unfortunately, I won’t be competing in this year’s Masters. I did about everything I could to play, but my back rehabilitation didn’t allow me the time to get tournament ready. I’m especially upset because it’s a special anniversary for me that’s filled with a lot of great memories. I can’t believe it’s been 20 years since I won my first green jacket.
I have no timetable for my return, but I will continue my diligent effort to recover, and want to get back out there as soon as possible.”
Woods’ recent comeback attempts have been soured repeatedly by recurring injuries and poor play.
It would’ve been great to see Woods chasing that green jacket again, however; the most important thing is he take the time to FINALLY get healthy. It always seems like he’s forcing a comeback he’s not ready for.
Tiger Woods was the sport of golf personified for a very long time. It has to be extremely difficult to watch younger golfers fly past him up the rankings season after season, but if he’s ever gonna make another run at history (doubtful at this point), his biggest obstacle will be getting, and staying healthy enough to get his game back on track.
