Star happy, but is coping with father’s failing health
Tiger Woods displayed mixed emotions after clinching his ninth career major at the 69th U.S. Masters. advertisement
Having since spent time relaxing with his wife Elin on his yacht, the game’s leading player has voiced mixed opinions about his dramatic playoff victory over Chris DiMarco at Augusta National nine days ago.
“I can’t say winning a fourth green (Masters) jacket was the most satisfying of my nine major championships, but it definitely felt good,” the 29-year-old American said in his monthly newsletter.
“Especially after all the things I have been through in the last year.
“My dad hasn’t been healthy, I got married and I went through a major swing change with Hank Haney.
“People said I wouldn’t be the same player after I got married, and that I was crazy to mess with my swing. Now, maybe they won’t be so quick to judge.” Woods, who married Swedish model Elin Nordegren last October, struggled to choke back the tears as he dedicated his fourth Masters title to his father Earl, who has been fighting cancer and heart problems.
“He’s struggling, he’s struggling,” said the world number one after regaining his composure in fading sunlight at Augusta National.
“He’s not able to come out here today, or all week. His health has been pretty bad all year.”
Nine days on, Woods explained he had been unable to see his father until late in the evening following his playoff win over fellow American DiMarco.
After clinching the title with an 18-foot birdie putt at the first extra hole, Woods had to attend the prize giving and deal with the media before being guest of honour at the winner’s dinner held in the Augusta National clubhouse.
“I couldn’t wait to get back to the house pop was staying at to celebrate with him,” he said.
“When I finally saw him it was about 10 p.m., and I gave him a big hug. He has always been there for me and it was nice to share the moment.
“He still isn’t feeling well, but made the effort to come to Augusta and that meant the world to me.
“On the course, he was with me every step of the way. Hopefully watching me win will give him a little extra fight.”
Although Masters success gave Woods a sense of vindication for the hard work he and his swing coach Haney have put in over the last year, he gained even greater pleasure from reaching two statistical milestones.
His fourth victory at Augusta put him level with Arnold Palmer, who triumphed in 1958, 1960, 1962 and 1964, while he is now halfway in his bid to match the record career tally of 18 majors achieved by Jack Nicklaus.
“One of the best things about winning was that I tied Arnold Palmer for the second-most wins in Masters history, two behind Jack Nicklaus,” said Woods.
“In 1995, Jack predicted that I would win more than he and Arnold combined. I was just wondering what he was smoking. It was kind of mind-boggling he could make a comment like that back then.
“The other nice thing was that my nine major championships tie Ben Hogan and Gary Player for third place all-time. Jack still leads the way with 18 and will probably never be caught, but you never know. It’s something to shoot for.”
