Tiger Woods wins the Masters to complete the greatest comeback in sport, 11 years after his last major and sex scandal, DUI arrest and back surgeries
TIGER WOODS completed the greatest comeback in sports history by winning the Masters at Augusta – his first major in 11 years.
The American, 43, has overcome a humiliating sex scandal, a degrading DUI arrest and four back surgeries to return to win his fifth green jacket in front of girlfriend Erica Herman, kids Sam and Charlie and mum Kultida.
Woods did not know if he would ever play again just two years ago and plummeted to 1,199th in the world during his darkest days.
But he showed the old nerves of steel in a final-round two-under 70 to win by one shot from Americans Dustin Johnson, Xander Schauffele and Brooks Koepka.
Woods now has 15 majors and can continue his quest to topple Jack Nicklaus’ record of 18.
Son Charlie was first to run into his dad’s arms as Woods walked off the final hole after a closing bogey to finish 13 under.
And the sporting world united in praise for Woods as he made his return to the top of golf.
Legendary jockey AP McCoy wrote: “Only our lord has made a greater comeback… than the golfing god @TigerWoods.”
KING OF THE COMEBACK
And Donald Trump tweeted: “Congratulations to @TigerWoods, a truly great champion!”
Tennis icon Serena Williams said: “I am literally in tears watching @TigerWoods this is greatness like no other. Knowing all you have been through physically to come back and do what you just did today? Wow.
“Congrats a million times! I am so inspired thank you buddy.”
Woods went into the final round two shots behind Open champion Francesco Molinari, who held off Woods to win the Claret Jug at Carnoustie last summer.
But his hopes sunk after finding water on the 12th and 15th holes while Woods went clear with birdies on the 13th, 15th and 16th – where he came inches from a hole in one.
Woods roared after tapping in the winning putt and revealed he was so in the zone he couldn’t remember what happened.
He said: “When I tapped the putt in, I don’t know what I did, I know I screamed. I was just looking for Joey then I found him.
“To have my kids there, it’s a full circle. My dad was here in ’97 and now I am the dad.
I’M THE DADDY
“This win is overwhelming just because of what has transpired.
“Last year I was very lucky to be playing again and the previous Champions Dinner I was really struggling and missed a couple years of not playing this tournament – now I am the champion.
“My mum’s here, she was there in ’97. So I couldn’t be more happy and excited. Lost for words.
“My little boy Charlie, that embrace – it was special. Just to have them here.
“Sam actually lost a state soccer tournament yesterday, so I convinced her to come up and watch the Masters. They came up and luckily I got win.”