The greatest player of the modern era, Tiger Woods, has defined the way that golf is played in the 21st century, thanks to his incredible distance off the tee, pinpoint accuracy and ability to play almost any shot. And, of course, his remarkable consistency and will to win.
According to WSN.com betting historically on Tiger Woods is one of the most reliable bets in the world of golf, Tiger Woods has provided many memorable moments, particularly on the PGA circuit. Here are five of the very best:
Greater Milwaukee Open, 1996
In 1996, at the Greater Milwaukee Open, Woods made his PGA debut. He was eight strokes behind the leaders entering the weekend, and out of contention going into the final day, despite opening rounds of 67-69.
However, a tremendous shot at Brown Deer Park on Sunday ensured that he grabbed his share of the headlines. On the 202-yard, par-3 14th hole, he chose the 6-iron and his arrowed shot only needed two bounces to locate the hole. The hole-in-one helped Woods finish T60 for the tournament, but that ace, hit in front of 150,000 people, signaled the launch of a remarkable career.
Augusta Masters, 2005
Woods went into the 2005 Masters at Augusta National in search of his first Major in 34 months.
He was locked in a tight final round struggle with Chris DiMarco and had a one-stroke lead going to the 16th, but his tee shot struck the left side of the green, and his ball dropped just short of the rough.
With DiMarco already safely on the green, Woods faced a tournament-defining chip. His expertly judged shot landed in the perfect position, climbing the slope and over the ridge, making its way towards the hole. The ball gently approached the hole’s lip before stopping. The golfing world couldn’t believe what they were seeing for two painful seconds as the ball didn’t move, but then it started to fall.
Woods was overcome with emotion and DiMarco could only watch in disbelief. The tournament still went to a playoff, but it was ultimately Woods who donned the green jacket – for a fourth time.
US Open, 2008
Wincing in considerable pain caused by a knee operation and a fractured tibia, Woods could barely walk around the course at the 2008 US Open.
During a turbulent final day which saw him drop three shots in the opening two holes, he found himself just one behind Rocco Mediate heading onto the final hole — the par-5 18th. A poor drive landed his ball in the fairway bunker, and his layup was also poor as well. A birdie was needed to take it to a playoff with Mediate, and a 12-foot downhill putt over the trickiest part of the green was the obstacle.
At the moment of maximum pressure, his calculations were spot on. His putt slowly drew nearer to the hole and then finally dropped. Woods gave a roar of relief and triumph, and that moment helped to propel him to his 14th major. The grit and determination he showed at Torrey Pines, while in considerable pain, underlined his greatness.
Memorial Tournament, 2012
Woods, a five-time champion at the Memorial Tournament, had one of his most memorable experiences there in 2012. He was four strokes off the lead entering the final round but blitzed the front nine and was only one shot behind leader Rory Sabbatini when his tee ball on the par-3 16th went long and right of the hole. From a perilous lay, he was left with a dreadful pitch shot downhill. Water was also in play through the green, so there was no margin for error. Woods landed the ball brilliantly on the green with an exquisite flop shot, and his ball trickled straight into the hole. When the stakes were at their height, only Woods could sink such a spectacular shot.
Players Championship, 2001
Wood’s first victory at the Players Championship in 2001 will be remembered for one of his best putts ever. Woods flirted with the water near the back of the renowned island green at TPC Sawgrass’ 17th hole after hitting a poor iron shot. The ball landed only meters from the water’s edge, leaving him with a massive 60-foot putt from which most golfers would be content with a par, but not Woods.
He sent a carefully judged put speeding ball across the green and watched it break not just once, but three times. When the ball landed in the hole, Woods raised both arms in the air in triumph.
