Tiger Woods won his fifth Masters title on Sunday, April 14, 2019 marking his first major victory since the 2008 U.S. Open. Woods shot 13 under par through the tournament.
His victory comes after four back surgeries that left him wondering in recent years if he could ever play again. Woods, 43, became the second-oldest winner of the Masters at Augusta National, after Jack Nicklaus who won at 46 in 1986.
Nicklaus, who has won the most majors, said Woods’ win was “fantastic.”
“A big ‘well done’ from me to @TigerWoods!” he wrote on Twitter. “I am so happy for him and for the game of golf. This is just fantastic!!!”
A big “well done” from me to @TigerWoods! I am so happy for him and for the game of golf. This is just fantastic!!! 👏🏼@TheMasters
— Jack Nicklaus (@jacknicklaus) April 14, 2019
Woods entered the final round tied for second with Tony Finau, two strokes behind Francesco Molinari.
He finished the tournament with his signature fist pump and hugged his 10-year-old son, Charlie, mother, Kutilda, and 11-year-old daughter, Sam.
Among those watching avidly, President Donald Trump who tweeted during the tournament, saying Woods “is looking GREAT!” and then congratulating him as “a truly Great Champion!”
Watching final hole of @TheMasters. @TigerWoods is looking GREAT!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 14, 2019
Congratulations to @TigerWoods., a truly Great Champion!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 14, 2019
Former President Barack Obama also recognized Woods on Twitter, writing: “Congratulations, Tiger! To come back and win the Masters after all the highs and lows is a testament to excellence, grit, and determination.”
Congratulations, Tiger! To come back and win the Masters after all the highs and lows is a testament to excellence, grit, and determination.
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) April 14, 2019
Following his win, Nike, which has sponsored the golfer since the start of his career, tweeted: “Never stop chasing your crazy dream. #justdoit @TigerWoods” and released a commercial starring Woods. Nike signed Woods in 1996.
Many social media users shared side-by-side images of Woods hugging his father, Earl, at the 18th hole after the 1997 Masters, and a photo from Sunday where he embraced his son. Woods won his first Masters title in 1997. His father died in May 2006. Woods reflected on the remixed father-son moment on Sunday, saying things had come full circle.
“To have my kids here it’s come full circle,” he said. “My dad was here in ‘97 and now I’m the dad with two kids there.”
Tiger Woods, full circle pic.twitter.com/IkhqxIJlzA
— Mike Gavin (@MikeGavin7) April 14, 2019
Watching this on repeat. The noise level from the gallery, the hug with the kids, Tiger’s roar and genuine joy. Better than we could have imagined. pic.twitter.com/2oe3jILYKS
— Nathan Murphy (@nathanmurf) April 14, 2019
Read more at NBC News
