Tiger Woods is back in the winner’s circle after a stunning come-from-behind victory at the Masters at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia on Sunday. Woods won his 5th Green Jacket since 2005, and his first major tournament since 2008.
Tiger, 43, was awarded the Green Jacket by Masters champion Patrick Reed during the Green Jacket Ceremony after winning the Masters. Tiger was not the favorite to win heading into the 2019 Masters. He’d never won a tournament without having at least a share in the lead going into the final round.
His life took a downward spiral after his last major win at the 2008 U.S. Open. His wife divorced him after she found out he’d cheated on her with multiple women on the road. He was arrested for a DUI, and he admitted he had an addiction to prescription pain killers after undergoing knee surgery and four back surgeries.
In November 2009, the National Enquirer published a story claiming that Woods had had an extramarital affair with a New York City nightclub manager. Then, two days later, around 2:30 a.m. on November 27, Tiger was behind the wheel of his Cadillac Escalade SUV when he collided with a fire hydrant, a tree, and some hedges near his home. He took sole responsibility for the accident, but it was later revealed that he was fleeing from his furious wife, Elin Nordegren, who smashed out one of his SUV windows with a golf club. They divorced in 2010.
But Tiger put all of that behind him on Sunday on the 18th green. Tiger celebrated his 15th major tournament win with Rob McNamara, Vice President of his TGR Ventures; his 10-year-old son Charlie Axel Woods (red shirt), his 12-year-old daughter Sam Alexis Woods (black cap), mother Kutilda Woods, pictured left, and his girlfriend, Erica Herman (not pictured).
Afterwards, Tiger said he was determined to win for his kids, Sam and Charlie, after mistakes cost him the win at the British Open last year.
“They were there at the British Open last year when I had the lead on the back nine, and I made a few mistakes, cost myself a chance to win the Open title,” Tiger told reporters. “I wasn’t going to let that happen to them twice, and so for them to see what it’s like to have their dad win a major championship, I hope that’s something they will never forget.”
After his stunning win, Tiger and his son Charlie embraced just as he hugged his own father, Earl Woods, after winning his first Masters in 1997. Earl Woods died in May 2006 at age 74.
When Tiger won his 4th Masters in 2005, Earl was in a nearby hotel room, too sick to attend the tournament.
“My dad shouldn’t have come in ’97. I mean, he had heart complications, and wasn’t supposed to fly, but he flew and came. My dad’s no longer here, but my mom’s here, 22 years later, and I happen to win the tournament.
Tiger is only the 2nd golfer to win 5 Masters and 15 major titles. He trails only golf legend Jack Nicklaus in both categories.
Photos by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images, David Cannon/Getty Images, Andrew Redington/Getty Images
