[Field Story] Woods: "If There Had Been No Traffic Accident..."

Performance Declined After 2021 Car Rollover Accident
Withdrew from 3 of 7 Competitions Over 3 Years Due to Poor Form
Expecting a Spectacular Farewell After Achieving 83 Wins

There is no room for family in sports.

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

However, the 'Golf Emperor' Tiger Woods (USA) has a painfully painful memory. It was a car rollover accident in February 2021. He suffered multiple fractures. He barely survived and made a miraculous comeback, but he has been suffering from various aftereffects. In April 2022, he showed his determination by making a comeback at the Masters. Since the traffic accident, Woods has significantly reduced his tournament appearances. Every tournament, he takes difficult steps, earnestly dreaming of a revival.

He is the greatest golfer in history. A 'record maker.' He has won a total of 82 victories on the PGA Tour, including 15 major championships. He shares the record for most wins with 'Golf Legend' Sam Snead (USA). From the 2000 US Open, The Open Championship, and PGA Championship to the 2001 Masters, he achieved four consecutive major wins, known as the 'Tiger Slam.' At 24, he became the youngest to complete the 'Career Grand Slam.'

But that is not the end. He reached world No. 1 just 42 weeks after turning pro and held the No. 1 spot for an incredible 683 weeks. He was the money leader 10 times, Player of the Year 11 times, and led in scoring average 9 times. He boasted consistency by making the cut in 142 consecutive tournaments. His total career earnings to date amount to $120,999,166 (approximately 167.6 billion KRW). Turning pro in 1996, he has dominated the global golf scene for nearly 30 years as a 'living legend.'

Woods has overcome numerous trials. He endured multiple knee and back surgeries. In 2009, a sex scandal broke out, and in 2010, he went through the turmoil of divorcing his wife Elin Nordegren. He returned to the field and met expectations. However, this time, a fatal traffic accident abruptly halted his progress. Because his physical condition is not perfect, he rarely participates in tournaments.

Since the 2021 accident, he has appeared in only seven tournaments over three years. He withdrew three times and missed the cut once. His best result was a tie for 45th at last year's Genesis Invitational. This is a record unbefitting of Woods. At the Masters, which ended on the 14th, he suffered a blow to his heart. In the third round, he shot 82, 10 over par. He completed 72 holes for the first time in 14 months but finished with 304 strokes, 16 over par, the worst score since turning pro. He ranked last among the 60 players who made the cut.

Woods' last victory was at the Zozo Championship in October 2019. It has been four years and six months since his last win. He was born on December 30, 1975. He is already 48 years old. While he is undoubtedly a player with outstanding skills, his prime is long past. It means that winning competitions is becoming increasingly difficult. Golf fans around the world who cherish Woods are hoping to see his majestic presence once again. They hope he will collect one last winning trophy, smile brightly, and leave the field.