Heart-wrenching, unhalted departure of golf legend Tiger Woods
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Once at the helm due to sheer power, Tiger Woods is now just another sports figure in the current scene. However, fans still harbor hopes that the 48-year-old might stage a remarkable return. Yet, his former glory days seem distant.
This was yet another disheartening exhibition in the recent years. The fellow on the green resembled Tiger Woods, spoke like him, but failed to match his legendary golf skills. Two rounds plagued with bogeys from the former golf industry titan at the US Open, effectively ended his chance at the third Major of the year.
After this repeated disappointment, the 48-year-old showed little optimism regarding his future prospects. "It could be, it could not be," Woods responded when asked if this was his last US Open appearance. Indeed, Woods now only competes in the Majors, the four major tournaments of the year. This strategy is meant to protect his physically battered body, but it comes with its own setbacks.
"My performance wasn't as sharp as it should have been," Woods stated after his exit at Pinehurst. "Physically, I've improved since the start of the year, but I had limited practice time to avoid reinjury and risk the Majors." For Woods, it's always about picking the lesser evil now, "choose your poison," he says - pick your poison.
Despite this, he managed to draw crowds, as was evident in North Carolina. fans flocked to see if the raw talent of the 15-time Major winner would be enough for another spectacular comeback. However, the numerous surgeries Woods has undergone over the past two decades on his knees, legs, and back have taken their toll. The latest major setback was a 2021 car accident that left him with severe leg injuries. Woods has returned, but in the seven Majors since then, he has had to withdraw twice, failed to make the cut three times, and finished on the ranks 47 and 60 in the others.
And now? "I only have one tournament left this season," Woods stated, referring to the British Open in July, the final Major of the season. "One event left, and then I'll return, whenever I return." He didn't explicitly say it, but his words seemed to suggest: If he comes back at all.
