[Masters] Woods 47th "Goodbye Augusta"..."Thank you all"

‘The Returned Golf Emperor’ Tiger Woods is looking at the course on the 12th hole of the final day of the Masters. Augusta, USA = Getty Images / Multibits Photo by Multibits

[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] ‘Half a success’.

The ‘Returned Golf Emperor’ Tiger Woods finished 47th (13 over par, 301 strokes) on the final day of the Masters held on the 11th (Korean time) at Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia, USA (par 72, 7,510 yards). He expressed his thoughts, saying, "This will remain one of the important achievements in my golf life," and "I am grateful to have completed a major just 14 months after the accident." He added, "Many people helped and supported me," and "I also overcame many crises."

In fact, Woods’ participation itself is big news. He returned to the PGA Tour after a long absence of 1 year and 5 months since the ‘Autumn Masters’ in November 2020. He was seriously injured in a car rollover accident in Los Angeles, California, in February last year, breaking both legs, and went through a step-by-step rehabilitation process involving a wheelchair and crutches. Before this tournament, he flew early to Augusta and checked his condition through daily practice rounds.

‘The Returned Golf Emperor’ Tiger Woods is teeing off at the 12th hole on the final day of the Masters. Augusta, USA = Getty Images / Multibits

Woods heated up the global golf world by ranking tied for 10th at 1 under par on the first day. On the second day, he scored 2 over par, and on the third day, cold weather and the ‘glassy greens’ slowed him down, resulting in 6 over par. That day, he again struggled with a 6 over par score, making 1 birdie, 1 bogey, and 1 double bogey. He made a birdie on the 2nd hole (par 5), but had three consecutive bogeys from the 4th to 6th holes, and bogeys again on the 11th (par 4) and 14th holes (par 4). The pattern of missing the green and failing to make the par putt continued.

At the crucial 17th hole (par 4) near the end, he suffered a fatal ‘3-on 3-putt’ double bogey. In the 3rd and 4th rounds, he had six three-putts, and above all, his green play fell short of expectations. His average putts per hole approached 1.90, and his average per round was nearly 31.25. The long absence from competition was significant, and his leg condition seemed imperfect, as he could not squat down to read putting lines. The cold and strong wind made things even harder for Woods.

However, this comeback tournament is valuable enough just for making it to the 3rd round. His long drives reached 300 yards, and his short game was comparable to his prime. Most importantly, he completed all 72 holes on foot. This is why the American media called it a ‘small miracle.’ It is interesting that Woods is already aiming for the next major stage. That is the July ‘oldest major,’ The Open Championship. This year, it will be held at the ‘golf sanctuary’ Old Course at St Andrews, Scotland.