Tiger Woods has reflected on his mixed year which saw the 15-time major champion make a heroic return to professional golf.
After more than a year out from the sport following his high-speed car crash in February 2021, leaving him with multiple breaks and fractures in his leg, Woods defied the odds to take to the tee at the US Masters at Augusta. He even made the cut, although after doing similar at the US PGA, was forced to withdraw after three rounds due to crippling leg pain.
He also played two rounds at The Open Championship at St Andrews, and was afforded a standing ovation as he walked down the 18th on Friday. And he finished the year alongside son Charlie at the PNC Championship, with the pair wowing crowds with a first round 59 before tailing off on the second day.
Speaking after finishing tied-eighth in Orlando on 20 under par, a reflective Woods told Sky Sports : "It was a tough year but also one of the more rewarding years I've had in a while.
"I've had a lot of setbacks over the last few years. I don't know if I ever get back to playing St Andrews in a British Open, but to be able to experience that maybe one last time at this level was very special to me.
"That was my favourite golf course in the whole world, and if that was it, that was it, to be able to possibly finish up my career there, I don't know. That's one of the reasons why I was kind of emotional because I don't know if I'll ever play St Andrews again. I'll play Open Championships in the future but I don't know if I'll be around when it comes back there again."
Woods, 46, has also been active off the course, leading the PGA Tour in their fight against the Saudi-backed LIV Golf tour. The 15-time major champion himself turned down an offer in excess of £600 million to become Greg Norman's marquee signing.
In a bid to combat the effect of LIV, he and Rory McIlroy have established TG L, in a bid to attract a new, younger audience to the status quo. The virtual concept will run on Monday evenings and in conjunction with PGA Tour events.
On Saturday night, Woods had outlined how inspirational his children, Charlie and Sam, had been in him returning to golf this year : "Just to be able to see their faces and see their smiles and to hear their words of encouragement," he said. "I’ve had some tough days, as he’s (Charlie's) known, but just to have their support and their love, you know."
