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Sporting world erupts over Tiger Woods' incredible victory

Yahoo Sport Australia

Tiger Woods’ first tour victory in five years has sent the sporting world into meltdown.

Tiger completed his remarkable return from injury with a victory at the Tour Championship on Monday (AEST), his 80th US PGA Tour title.

The 14-time major champion and overnight leader closed with a one-over-par 71 at Atlanta’s East Lake Golf Club and at 11 under he finished two shots ahead of runner-up Billy Horschel (66).

It is Woods’ first victory worldwide since the 2013 WGC-Bridgestone and his 80th PGA Tour title moves him to second on the all-time list behind Sam Snead (82).

Tiger Woods celebrates winning the TOUR Championship. (Photo by Tim Bradbury/Getty Images)
Tiger Woods celebrates winning the TOUR Championship. (Photo by Tim Bradbury/Getty Images)

Fans and celebrities from all around the world took to social media in an overwhelming outpouring of joy.

Woods admitted he had nearly been overcome with emotion as he walked up the 18th fairway.

“I was having a hard time not crying coming up the last hole,” Woods said.

“I kept saying ‘Hey, I could still play this out of bounds.’ But once I got the ball on the green I gave (caddie) Joey (LaCava) a high five because I knew it was done.”

It was an emotional finale to a year which saw Woods return to the highest level after he had once feared he may never play golf again.

Tiger Woods celebrates with caddie Joe LaCava. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)
Tiger Woods celebrates with caddie Joe LaCava. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)

“It was just a grind out there,” Woods said of his final round. “I loved every bit of it. The fight, the grind, the tough conditions.

“Beginning of the year (winning) was a tall order. But as the year progressed I found my swing and put the pieces together and I knew I could do it.”

The victory erased any last lingering doubts about Woods’ ability to compete at the highest level, something he had served notice of with top 10 finishes at the British Open and US PGA Championships.

with agencies