THE world woke up yesterday bathed by the news that Tiger Woods won the Tour Championship at Atlanta’s East Lake Golf Club in Georgia.
It wasn’t just sports news but global news as well.
It sent stocks rising in New York and elsewhere in the world.
It shot up ratings on virtually all TV networks that covered Woods’ 80th PGA victory—just two short of Sam Snead’s all-time best of 82.
It signaled not just the resurrection of Woods but also of golf itself, long in deep slumber during the almost six years that Woods was struggling with four back surgeries and grappling as well with his infidelity-induced marriage breakup.
But, more importantly, the win, worth $1.6 million, snapped Woods’ five-year slump. His last victory was in the WGC Bridgestone Invitational in August, 2013.
Danny “Sir John” Isla vibered me from Auckland, New Zealand:
“During Tiger’s prime, more than 1,000 golf courses were built all over the world. During his slump, about 600 courses closed.
“He holds the record for the longest time as No. 1 in the world.
“His lower back is fused. Big boost to the golf industry. Fore!!”
Even before finalizing his two-shot win yesterday over Billy Horschel (66 in the last round to Tiger’s business-like 71), Woods seemed set to score his historic comeback victory.
Last month, Woods finished second two shots behind Brooks Koepka in the PGA with his blazing final-round 64.
After brilliant opening rounds of 65-68 in the Tour Championship, Woods was relentless, unstoppable, going to the weekend.
In the third round, he shot 65, gunning down birdies on six of his first seven holes en route to a three-shot lead over Justin Rose and Rory McIlroy.
With 18 holes left to play, Woods birdied No. 1 to go four up and, after erecting a five-shot lead with nine holes remaining, he simply cruised to victory—up by two with two holes to go—essentially announcing, officially, his comeback after exactly 1,876 days.
At 42, Woods might have just found his second wind.
Whether the boys in the Tour are naughty or nice, they’d better watch out.