This is what Tiger Woods means to golf.
Crowds jumping with excitement, shouting and buzzing in anticipation. The whole world had their eyes on the East Lake Golf Course in Atlanta, Georgia, the whole world had their eyes on Tiger Woods.
It’s often said that no one man can be bigger than the game, but as seasoned pros like Matsuyama, Simpson and Fowler covered their last few holes with a measly crowd following them, in comparison to Tiger’s anyway, that statement was brought into question here.
The scenes on the golf course were something otherworldly.
Tiger Woods walking to the 18 like he’s Goldberg in the 90’s 😂🔥🐅 pic.twitter.com/Espy0Y5Viz
— Randy Cruz (@randyjcruz) September 24, 2018
Only a couple of years ago, it looked like, after a string of physical and indeed mental problems that the greatest golfer the world had ever seen was never going to return to the form that earned him that reputation in the first place.
His driving was often wayward and his swing was a pale resemblance of the powerful motion he once gobbled his opponents with. But after plenty of resilience, hard work and determination, Tiger is back now.
His final round wasn’t faultless, but it didn’t need to be. He’d already done the hard work and a modest 71 was enough to land him his first PGA Tour victory in five years.
He’s back just in time for the Ryder Cup, and it’s a terrifying proposition for Team Europe.
The whole of Ireland was glued to the golf last night too, many of them hoping for a shootout between Rory and the American down the home straight.
That didn’t materialise, as McIlroy faltered, but the Down man was one of the first to pay tribute to the golfing legend.
“Such a cool experience walking down the last hole with all that excitement! Onwards and upwards,” he said.
Massive congrats @JustinRose99 for winning the #FedExCup and of course @TigerWoods for winning #80 on @PGATOUR. So well deserved for both. Such a cool experience walking down the last hole with all that excitement! Onwards and upwards. https://t.co/pnH5Wa5lyx
— Rory McIlroy (@McIlroyRory) September 23, 2018
Shane Lowry is delighted to have the king back.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BoFbdVPnLtz/?utm_source=ig_twitter_share&igshid=tgbv49pxnt32
Kieran Donaghy enjoyed his evening in front of the box.
I won’t lie, the excitement is unreal, back from training, dinner on the go, @TigerWoods and @McIlroyRory about to tee it up and when it go’s to adds straight to #NFLRedZone #nightsorted #golf #NFLSunday pic.twitter.com/AYHrzib4Ng
— Kieran Donaghy (@starryboy14) September 23, 2018
Jack McCaffrey compared this seismic night of golf to the return of Lord Voldemort in Harry Potter.
https://twitter.com/jackmcc93/status/1043983554131226631
Tipperary hurler Paudie Maher was excited.
https://twitter.com/podzo21/status/1043588747848286208
As was Paul Geaney, who even wrote a few words about Tiger recently.
This is insane 😂 #TigerWoods
— Paul Geaney (@Geaney15) September 23, 2018
Wrote a little about Tiger Woods last month..he is 3 clear going into final round this evening. Here is what has to happen to win the #FedExCup . Lot’s will disagree! Isn’t sport great! https://t.co/VQfxz6pVIe pic.twitter.com/DyubHHd9oB
— Paul Geaney (@Geaney15) September 23, 2018
Kilkenny jockey David Mullins was also excited.
As was AP McCoy.
They say you can’t be bigger than the game….I’m not so sure #Tiger
— AP McCoy (@AP_McCoy) September 23, 2018
And legendary Kilkenny hurler Eddie Brennan, citing the words of Buff Egan said Tiger is a stallion man.
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