‘One of the greatest comebacks in history’: Reaction as Tiger Woods wins first major in a decade
Praise has poured in for Tiger Woods after he captured his first major since 2008 with victory at the Masters at Augusta on Sunday, capping a stunning return from injury which some have dubbed the greatest comeback ever.
Woods, 43, overturned a two-shot deficit heading into the final round at Augusta National as he carded a two under score of 70 to finish on 13 under par overall – one shot ahead of the chasing trio of Brooks Koepka, Dustin Johnson and Xander Schauffele.
Also on rt.com Roaring back: Tiger Woods wins Masters to clinch first major since 2008It was the US golfing icon’s 15th major in all – and fifth win at Augusta – but the first time he has clinched one of golf’s big four prizes since 2008.
Roaring back.#themasterspic.twitter.com/nlTwxWJW8X
— Masters Tournament (@TheMasters) April 14, 2019
Back in green.#themasterspic.twitter.com/n2LfjOtjfQ
— Masters Tournament (@TheMasters) April 14, 2019
In the ensuing period of his majors drought, many feared Woods would be forced to quit the sport as he battled severe back injuries that aborted several attempted comebacks, as well as a very public arrest while driving under the influence of medication in 2017.
READ MORE: Easy, Tiger! Woods almost taken out by security guard in bizarre Masters incident (VIDEO)
But the signs were different when Woods clinched his first title in five years at the Tour Championship in Atlanta last year.
Woods has now gone even better, winning his fifth green jacket amid emotional scenes on Sunday at Augusta, as well as earning praise from as far and wide as golf-mad US President Donald Trump, tennis great Serena Williams, and NFL legend Tom Brady.
Here’s some of the social media reaction below:
Congratulations to @TigerWoods., a truly Great Champion!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 14, 2019
Congrats Tiger! What a performance..
— Tom Brady (@TomBrady) April 14, 2019
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
Goosebumps while on the verge of crying. From the lowest of all lows to the highest of all highs, @TigerWoods has pulled off the greatest comeback ever....in life and now golf. For those of you that make THIS about YOU......I feel sorry for you. 🐐🐐#TheMasters
— Taylor Twellman (@TaylorTwellman) April 14, 2019
We might be watching one of the absolute best comeback's in sports history right now. Truly incredible . I'll be honest I didn't think it was going to happen . #TheMasters
— Dan Leach (@DanLeach971) April 14, 2019
REMINDER: 16 months ago, Tiger Woods was ranked 1,199 in the world, his body was shot, his reputation was wrecked & nobody gave him a chance of winning a major again. Apart from him. pic.twitter.com/zUJxGfjNi6
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) April 14, 2019
Tiger Woods, the greatest golfer the world has ever seen, has now completed one of the greatest comebacks the world has ever seen. 11 years, 3 back surgeries, and hundreds of mortifying headlines between Major championships, and he’s back on the top of the mountain.
— nick wright (@getnickwright) April 14, 2019
Congrats To The Greatest Golfer That Ever Lived @TigerWoods On His 15th Major Title! The PGA Is Stylin’ And Profilin’ Now! Much Respect To THE MAN! WOOOOO!
— Ric Flair® (@RicFlairNatrBoy) April 14, 2019
One of the greatest moments in sports history... Thank you Tiger Woods 🐅
— Damien Harris (@DHx34) April 14, 2019
TIGER 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾 #masters2019
— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) April 14, 2019
Woods now has 15 major titles overall, just three behind Jack Nicklaus' record of 18.
While many may have written off Woods' chances of ever reachig that tally, they could well be reassessing that in light of Sunday's momentus events.