‘Golf Emperor’ Woods, Can He Win Again?

One More Win to Reach All-Time Record of 83 Wins
Struggles at This Year’s Masters, 3R 10 Over Par 82
17.25-Yard Driver Distance Gap with Scheffler
Lengthening Courses, Decreasing Distance, Pressure at Age 48

Can the 'Golf Emperor' Tiger Woods (USA) rise to the top again?

Tiger Woods is taking off his hat to greet the gallery's applause on the green of the 18th hole in the 4th round of the Masters. [Augusta (USA) = Reuters·Yonhap News]

Currently, the outlook is largely negative. Woods has amassed a total of 82 wins on the PGA Tour, including 15 major championships. He is tied with Sam Snead (USA) for the most wins in history. Just one more victory would give him the title of the all-time leader in wins.

However, Woods' last victory was at the Zozo Championship in October 2019. He has not added a trophy for a staggering 4 years and 6 months. Most critically, the traffic accident he suffered in 2021 was a turning point. Although he miraculously made a comeback after barely surviving, he has not been able to show his former skills. He continues to suffer from the aftereffects of complex fractures sustained in the accident. After withdrawing following the third round of last April's Masters, he even underwent surgery on his right ankle.

Woods' pride took a hit at this year's Masters, which ended on the 14th. In his 26th appearance, he bowed his head with the worst score in history. He completed 72 holes for the first time in 14 months but recorded a 16-over-par 304. He finished last among the 60 players who made the cut. The 304 strokes mark the worst scorecard Woods has posted since turning professional. The decisive blow was his 10-over-par 82 in the third round the day before. After the tournament, Woods said, "Overall, I played well. I had good rounds in the first and second," but his expression was somber.

Woods did not post good numbers at this Masters. He had no eagles, 9 birdies, 42 pars, 18 bogeys, 2 double bogeys, and 1 triple bogey. Over four days, his fairway hit rate was 68%, greens in regulation 43%, and bunker save percentage only 50%. He averaged 1.65 putts per hole. Notably, his driving distance decreased, averaging just 288.25 yards. This was 17.25 yards shorter than the tournament winner Scottie Scheffler (305.5 yards, USA).

Woods is 48 years old, an age where physical stamina can be a burden. He diagnosed, "From the third round of the Masters, things did not go as I wanted." The PGA Tour courses continue to get longer and more challenging. Meanwhile, Woods' driving distance is trending downward. The environment for competing for wins is becoming increasingly difficult. Woods is expected to participate in the second major of the year, the PGA Championship, starting May 17. He expressed enthusiasm, saying, "I know the courses where the remaining three major tournaments will be held very well. I think I have a good chance to compete."