Everyone loves a good sports comeback. Tiger Woods has already provided the greatest one of them all, but now his well-being remains the most important factor, writes ANDRE HUISAMEN.
The devastating images of Tiger Woods’ car lying next to a Los Angeles highway and the chilling thoughts of what could’ve been were enough to shake the sporting world on Tuesday.
Woods’ accident immediately sparked the same fears sports lovers from across the world experienced last year when Kobe Bryant tragically passed away.
When scenes like that occur, the human element overshadows every sporting achievement there is. But, as is sporting nature, the question also popped up: will the great Tiger Woods be able to compete again after he survived the horror crash?
I immediately thought it would be almost impossible for Woods to tee off at the Masters, starting on 8 April at Augusta.
READ: PGA Tour stars share thoughts on Tiger
Hearing the reactions from the likes of Rory McIlroy and Justin Thomas about the incident, while they prepare for the first World Golf Championship of the year in Florida, helped put the situation into perspective.
‘Golf is so far from the equation right now, it’s not even on the map at this point,’ said McIlroy.
‘Man, I just hope he is all right. Just worried for his kids, I’m sure they are struggling,’ added Thomas.
If any family lives through a situation where a loved one’s life is in danger then the last thing should be the expectation of seeing that person on a golf course again. Even for someone of the calibre of Woods.
Reading through the timeline of injury events that Woods has been through the past 13 years, it would be unfair to predict another comeback in his illustrious career.
ALSO READ: Timeline: Tiger’s injury woes
Woods’ achievements won’t ever go away, that how good it is. I badly want to see him break the PGA Tour record for most wins, especially because he is only one away. But, should he finish his career short of the all-time record, then the disappointment should be overshadowed by his resilience and determination of the sportsman he became over the years.
He will undoubtedly go down as one of the all-time greats. But, his children need a father more than anything right now. One that can participate in their upbringing. It is already hard to top the image of Tiger and his son, Charlie, playing together at the PNC Championship in December. The joy of seeing them competing in the same attire was a sight to behold for everyone who tuned in.
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Tiger’s situation should not be about winning trophies anymore. He has plenty of them; but he only has one son and one family. That should remain the priority as he starts to recover.
Should it be the end of his career, though, then you can count on it that it won’t ever be the end of his participation in the game of golf.
