Star Overcoming Adversity 'The Great Comeback'... "Woods, Hogan, Holmes, Stenson, Park In-bi"

Woods and Hogan "Conquering the Field After Traffic Accidents," Holmes "Human Victory Over Brain Surgery," Stenson "Overcoming Lawsuits and Yips," Park In-bi "Escaping Slump with Husband's Help"

The "Golf Emperor" Tiger Woods returned to the field at this year's Masters 12 months after his car rollover accident.

[Asia Economy Reporter No Woo-rae] ‘Tiger Woods’.

He was the big issue at the Masters, which concluded on the 11th. Despite suffering severe injuries with both legs broken in a car rollover accident in Los Angeles, California, last February, he returned to the field. He made a comeback to the PGA Tour after a long 1 year and 5 months since the ‘Autumn Masters’ in November 2020. Right after the accident, pessimistic forecasts said "even daily life is not easy," but he proudly showed the figure of the ‘Golf Emperor’.

Woods rose to a tie for 10th place at 1-under par on the first day, heating up the global golf world. His leg condition was not perfect, as he could not squat down to read the putting line. He showed strong mental toughness by walking through all 72 holes with his uncomfortable leg. His 300-yard drives and short game were as good as in his prime. He lost 6 strokes each in rounds 3 and 4, finishing 47th overall. American media described Woods’ completion of the Masters as a ‘small miracle’.

Known as the 'Father of Modern Golf,' Ben Hogan overcame a major traffic accident involving a bus collision to achieve the 'Career Grand Slam.'

Before Woods, there was ‘the father of modern golf’ Ben Hogan (USA). He was the second ‘Career Grand Slammer’ in global golf history. In 1949, he overcame a major setback when he was involved in a serious traffic accident colliding with a bus, nearly dying. Despite doctors’ objections, he insisted on playing and won the 1950 US Open, then successfully defended the title in 1951. In 1953, he built a monumental achievement by winning the ‘major three consecutive titles’ including the Masters, US Open, and The Open.

Power hitter J.B. Holmes is a human triumph who overcame brain surgery.

Long hitter J.B. Holmes (USA) is also a representative star who overcame adversity. In 2011, he overcame brain surgery that nearly ended his career. In March 2013, he suffered a broken ankle while rollerblading and had to undergo elbow surgery, compounding his misfortunes. However, in May 2014, he announced his comeback by winning the Wells Fargo Championship. Holmes cheered, saying, "It feels like I’ve been traveling for a long time," and "I’m glad to have kept my tour card."

Henrik Stenson is the "Prince of the Desert," having overcome legal battles with sponsors and driver yips.

Henrik Stenson (Sweden) is another. He is a player who simultaneously won the playoffs of both the US and European tours in 2013. He selectively hunted big matches such as the Accenture in 2007 and The Players in 2009. Especially, he collected winning trophies in the Middle East and was called the ‘Prince of the Desert.’ Following a legal dispute with his sponsor in 2010 and various setbacks including driver yips, his world ranking fell to 230th. Now, he is a leading figure representing Europe and will serve as the captain of next year’s Ryder Cup team.

'Golf Empress' Park In-bee overcame a severe slump with the help of her husband, swing coach Nam Ki-hyup.

‘Golf Empress’ Park In-bi (34, KB Financial Group) is also a protagonist who emerged from a long tunnel. She broke the youngest winner record (19 years, 11 months, 6 days) at the 2008 US Women’s Open and became a ‘major champ.’ However, she spent four years without a title afterward. In 2009, she played in about 20 tournaments but was cut off in one-third of them. With the help of her husband and swing coach Nam Ki-hyup, she overcame the slump and became a ‘career golden slammer’ by winning 4 majors and an Olympic gold medal.