Tiger Woods stuns critics with just 5 words on his Masters expectations
Tiger Woods has never been shy about the lofty expectations he has for himself.
Remember, this is a golfer who once famously said that “second (place) sucks.” Woods is known to be a fierce competitor who never wants to settle for being ordinary.
However, Woods has played at an ordinary level, and at times worse, over the past several years. In fact, the last time he won a major tournament was at the 2008 U.S. Open.
But now, fresh off two strong finishes on the PGA Tour in recent weeks, it sure seems like he’s back.
For all the good feelings and surprisingly strong play, the former top-ranked player in the world made it clear what his expectations are for next week’s Masters.
“I’m just there to win,” he told golf journalist Mark Soltau for an article posted on Woods’ website.
The thought of Woods winning a 15th major once seemed to be a pipe dream, given the well-publicized health and personal problems he has gone through.
In 2017, days before Woods missed his third Masters in 4 years, he showed up for the Champions Dinner.
“I was debilitated,” he said, noting that he was even unable to swing a club. “I’m not retired. Watching the guys and hearing their excitement about playing was difficult. It was also sad not having Arnold there. It left a big void.”
Now, he seems to be back.
Woods finished 12th at the Honda Classic last month, then tied for second at the Valspar Championship earlier this month, before finishing in a tie for fifth place at the Arnold Palmer Invitational.
What was once considered impossible — winning a fifth green jacket — is now realistic.
Believe it or not, he’s actually among the Vegas favorites.
“That’s kind of funny,” Woods said. “Quite a shift. Six months ago the odds were I wasn’t even going to play.”
Tiger Woods is in confident mood.
He has called himself "a walking miracle".
👉https://t.co/fyf4Op1BIg pic.twitter.com/m4sBcc2hEB
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) March 31, 2018
But little by little, he’s found his stroke.
“I’ve been better with each week I’ve competed,” said Woods. “A little more crisp. I’m starting to put the pieces together.”
All eyes will be on Augusta — even more than usual — to see if Tiger can complete what would perhaps be golf’s greatest comeback story.
We can’t wait.
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