Since
Tiger Woods slipped on his fifth Green Jacket last month, we have all experienced something quite remarkable. A renewed excitement, maybe even call it a renaissance of our favourite game seems to be well and truly underway.
We all love an underdog story in sports. But the legacy of Woods and his unlikely comeback on The Masters stage provided golf with a much-needed lift. As the former world number one sank that last putt at Augusta, an older generation became nostalgic about their youth (even Rory McIlroy admits he cried!), while a new generation became inspired by an absolute legend.
His 15th major victory wasn’t just an important milestone for Woods, it was an epic win for anyone who’s struggled with getting older, losing form and being injured (both mentally and physically). Those who maybe didn’t appreciate Woods the first time around, had a softened approach to the now 43-year-old dad. Because let’s be honest, this win was a struggle and two years ago would have been thought impossible.
So what has a Woods victory done for the game in the last month? Quite a lot if you ask PGA of America CEO Seth Waugh who told Golf Channel earlier this week, “Obviously Tiger has impact, sort of moon landing. It’s not golf; it’s where were you when, kind of stuff.”
And in terms of this year’s second major, being played at Bethpage Black in a couple weeks time, Waugh admits the effect was instantaneous. “The impact immediately afterwards was extraordinary in terms of ticket sales [for the PGA Championship].”
As we head into prime golf weather here in the UK, many are hoping the Woods comeback continues to boost interest in the sport. Giving players that extra kick to get out on the course and discover, or perhaps rediscover, their absolute love of the game. Exactly what the long-term impact of Woods’ “rebirth” as a champion might mean for golf is anyone’s guess, but we are super excited to see what he has in store for the rest of 2019 and beyond!
“When you talk about the game of golf, what a comeback story,” fellow Masters winner Bubba Watson told The Dan Patrick Show this week. Adding, “what a boost to the game of golf, what a boost to sports in general. It’s pretty spectacular to see a guy go through all this stuff and come back and play at a high level.”
Check out the gear Woods used to win The Masters, and explore the new Spring/Summer Nike Golf apparel he sports
here.
Driver:
TaylorMade M5
Fairway Wood:
TaylorMade M5;
TaylorMade M3
Irons:
TaylorMade P7TW Prototypes
Wedges:
TaylorMade Milled Grind
Putter: Titleist Scotty Cameron Newport 2 GSS
Ball:
Bridgestone Tour B XS
