I don\u2019t know Tiger Woods personally. Like millions I\u2019ve instead for a generation enjoyed his mastery on golf courses and felt emotionally connected to his seventy-nine career victories, many dominant and all exciting. I\u2019ve also winced as he struggled with personal problems and a series of injuries and surgeries and wondered if he\u2019d ever walk normally and without pain. Would he someday return to the professional tour? Would he be competitive? And, ultimately, would he win just one more professional tournament after not doing so for five years?<\/p>\n
\tEven Tiger Woods, battered and aging at forty-two, long doubted he\u2019d again raise both red-shirted arms on the last hole Sunday. Then this summer he began coming fairly close in a few tournaments and shot sixty-four in the final round to finish in second place two strokes back at the PGA. He sensed then, I\u2019m sure, that it could happen soon. He almost knew it would. It had to. When healthy the man was a genius on the links. He hit drives long and straight. He launched approach shots at pins. He made putts as if guided by radar. In occasional trouble he created escapes where none appeared to exist. In so doing he crushed competitors physically and emotionally. <\/p>\n
\tHis professional comrades no doubt tired of being manhandled but as Tiger withered they improved and some eventually yearned to have the maestro return to health so they could beat him in meaningful battle. The top players got that chance this weekend at the Tour Championship in Atlanta. Woods responded with two stellar sixty-fives in the first three rounds, led by three entering the final day during which he\u2019d won twenty-three straight tournaments when ahead by that many or more. With a few holes to play he deserted nearest challengers Rory McIlroy and Justin Rose to lead by five, effectively ending the tournament. Even two bogeys down the stretch didn\u2019t derail him and he won by two, showing an elite field he\u2019s back. He\u2019s Tiger Woods again. I didn\u2019t watch much football today. I\u2019d have forgotten what happened on the gridiron this Sunday. I\u2019ll forever remember that a balding, middle-aged man overcame so much and bushwhacked the best in the world. Actually, at the moment, Tiger Woods is again the best player. Can he keep winning? He thinks so. <\/p>\n