Tigermania returned to golf with the amazing Tiger Woods winning his first major since the 2008 US Open and his first Masters in 14 years.
It was an emotional moment as he showed his joy and hugged his family before the thunderous cheers of a crowd who have forgiven him his sins when his scoring of birdies went beyond the greens and ruined his marriage.
Now, after four back operations, he’s scored his 15th major triumph, just three short of Jack Nicklaus’ record. And he could not have done it at a better setting than the beautiful, testing Augusta course.
His final round 70 for a 13-under one stroke victory over Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka and Xander Schauffele was not his best. But he held his nerve when it mattered while Italian leader Francesco Molinari fell two behind upon scoring two double bogeys.
A sporting Molinari joked those double bogeys had cost him victory but had increased his popularity.
Meanwhile the All Blacks have lost one of their most exciting Rugby World Cup prospects with the ruptured knee ligaments which will sideline Damian McKenzie for the rest of the year.
It’s a great shame for a brave, adventuresome, versatile player who goes where angels fear to tread.
Fortunately Ben Smith also remains a great fullback and Jordie Barrett has the ability to become one.
However, finding a third first-five behind brilliant Beauden Barrett and Richie Mo’unga won’t be so easy.
- Ivan Agnew is an award-winning sports writer and author
