January 1, 2021 | BY AAGD STAFF
Was that 2019 Masters the ‘Big Cat’s’ last big tournament win? Thus asks some skeptics regarding the possibility of Tiger breaking the record for the most major titles won.
On January 30, Tiger Woods turned 45, and the human body at this age is just not the same as it was when we’re in our 20s, or 30s. Compare the hazards and injuries that have occurred over three decades of playing golf as an amateur and then as a pro, like they say—something’s gotta give.
Consider the massive beating and bang-ups of a pro golfing career, Tiger is probably managing a body that is comparable to someone who’s probably in their 60s (or older). But his beloved fanbase is ultimately positively-minded and see Tiger through rose-colored glasses, to these individuals he will be forever young!
However, regardless of his fantastic win at the 2019 Masters, turning 45-year-old is a reminder to Tiger that his days are numbered and the sun is setting on his attempts to reach the ever-elusive 19-major championship mark to best Jack Nicklaus by one and hold the all-time record or most majors won.
But Tiger has the uncanny ability to ‘pull-up’ from behind and we’ve witnessed this feat by him many times during his career. So, regardless of how terrible 2020 may have been for the former World No. 1, we may be in for a surprising sweep. But the odds are challenging; because thinking about it, no matter how optimistic you may be, No golfer has won a major after age 45. If Tiger does so, this will make him the fourth-oldest player to accomplish it. Only Old Tom Morris (1867 Open), Julius Boros (1968 PGA) and Jack Nicklaus (1986 Masters) would have won majors at an older age. Yes, we know Tiger is a truly exceptional player who has broken historical barriers many times, but, to overcome this marker, he will have to match the all-time majors won by golfers older than 45 years and 4 months just to tie Nicklaus. So, who’s betting on that?
Again, strongly consider this man’s battered human body— ‘Nuf said, because you are only as good at the tools you are working with.
Fans will no doubt enjoy continuing to watch Tiger play competitively and seem to already be addicted to watching him bring-up his son Charlie into the arena of golf. This is all fascinating, yet, in less than 100 days the Masters will tee off at Augusta Nation for 2021 and eyes will be glued to the field.
