The most interesting image from Tiger Woods’ victory Sunday in the Chevron World Challenge was a crowd at the 18th hole watching Woods play the 17th hole on a big-screen TV. When his 12-foot birdie putt tumbled into the hole to tie Zach Johnson, the fans erupted in a stunning show of jubilation. All is forgiven. All they want to see is Tiger Woods be great again.
Moments later, those fans saw Woods live, striking a 9-iron and walking after it purposefully. Then he dropped the winning 8-foot birdie putt, punched the air with a roundhouse and ended his two-year drought.
“It feels awesome,” Woods told reporters of his fourth come-from-behind win in this event.
It was a field of only 18 players, but it was high quality. Eleven were in the Presidents Cup last month. Woods isn’t getting too carried away with the win.
“I feel pretty good going into next year,” Woods said with a wry smile. “If I have a good year, I should be on the ballot for comeback player of the year.”
– Kevin Dunleavy
