April 14, 2019
(Updated from a previous blog post on 8/16/18)
The conclusion of the latest edition of the 2019 Masters golf tournament saw a very familiar and popular face, Tiger Woods, win the tournament. I recently wrote about Tiger's very good year in 2018 and thought he may able to gain some success before he fades into the Twilight. Did his destiny change after Sunday?
Tiger's recent win at the 2019 Masters tournament in Augusta, Georgia showed the familiar signs of the previous early century reign of Mr. Woods: lurking close to the top of the leader board, his peers lacking the mental toughness to close out simple putts, hearing the massive roars of the gallery to let them know golf's last remaining titan was closing in on them. Tiger also gave every indication that his hallmarks of success included a laser-like focus on the job at hand, slowly closing in on his competitors, an ability to make putts and protect his long game effortlessly. When I paid close attention to the sports pages and the news on Sunday, I saw familiar things like the collapse of his opponents, and the general fear when those who have a chance to close out a major tournament with Tiger in contention, cannot, and succumb to the Tiger Woods aura. In the end, everyone knows who is going to win. That is part of the Woods Legend. His record when he is tied for the lead, or leading in any major tournament is a mind-blowing 14-1. How many golfers are that automatic when leading or have a share of the lead? Simply put, Tiger Woods is the greatest closer in the world in golf and no one will touch that record for some time. Perhaps ever. There may be another shooting star that captures the public's mind, but I doubt he will ever be this good on the last day of a major tournament.
Nicely put (putt?) Tiger's dominance in golf was palpable at the 2019 Masters. I do look forward to seeing him play again in the majors. More good stuff ahead.
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