![]() Hogan went on to dominate golf in a Woods-like manner starting with victory in the 1950 US Open. He suffered a fractured left ankle, double fracture of the pelvis, a broken collar bone and chipped rib.īut within a year he returned to action, ironically at the same Riviera course in Los Angeles where Woods was a non-playing tournament host last weekend. Inevitably comparisons are being drawn with Ben Hogan, the legendary Texan who recovered from career-threatening injuries when he collided with a Greyhound bus in February 1949. It is too early to know the long-term prognosis following the major orthopaedic surgery to his right leg, which is now held together by a rod, with pins and screws supporting his ankle and foot. He wanted to experience competing in Tokyo but that chance has now gone. Golf is now an Olympic sport after his influence helped drive readmission for the 2016 Games. Because of his approach to the game, professional golfers are nowadays regarded as athletes when previously they were often the pudgy underlings of the sporting world. His now inevitable absence leaves a void, one that golf has been all too familiar with in recent years.īut already his legacy is immense. Woods' presence in the field for this April's Masters was already in doubt following a fifth back operation after he felt discomfort last December. No other individual has driven a major sport so dramatically and effectively. They know the importance of Woods to them and millions of sports fans across the world. Nicklaus led scores of messages of support from golf and all of the governing bodies have expressed their concern and best wishes on social media. Others to offer support included singers Janet Jackson and Mariah Carey. It's about quality of life and being there for his kids."įormer world heavyweight champion Mike Tyson has urged Woods to "fight like the champion you are for your kids and the world" while tennis great Serena Williams said: "Love you big brother…. As basketball legend Stephen Curry, an ardent golf fan, stated: "At this point it is not about golf. It is a valid point, Woods has often defied the odds in a career that has brought more than 100 professional wins, a record-equalling 82 of them on the PGA Tour.īut right now there are more pressing priorities. "If we've learned anything over the years, it's to never count Tiger out." In the wake of the crash, former US President Barack Obama tweeted: "The GOAT (greatest of all time) of golf. He remains three short of fellow American Jack Nicklaus' record of 18 major titles, a mark he looked certain to surpass in the first decade of this century.Īrguments rage over who was the greater player, but many contend no-one has ever played better golf than Woods in his prime. ![]() At the height of his powers he was the biggest sports star on the planet. ![]() Woods has been golf's dominant personality for 25 years. 'We should just be grateful Tiger is still here' - McIlroy.That Augusta win felt like a crowning moment to an extraordinary career which has been marked by incredible highs on the golf course and dramatic and painful lows away from the game. Woods languishes, once again, in a hospital bed - an all-too-familiar scenario for a man who came through four back surgeries, including a fusion procedure, before winning the 2019 Masters, his 15th major title.
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