Anticipation rises as PGA Championship braces for Tiger-mania

Even Tiger Woods’ rivals are excited about the prospect of taking on the Masters champion when he returns to action at this week’s PGA Championship.
Woods will vie for a 16th major title when the 101st PGA Championship tees off at Bethpage Black next Thursday, and fans, pundits and players alike are waiting with bated breath to see what the former World No 1 will conjure up.
Woods’ comeback victory at Augusta last month could hardly have been more dramatic, coming as it did after an 11-year major drought that saw him battle a series of knee and back injuries that looked to have all but destroyed his career.
“One of the biggest wins I’ve ever had for sure,” Woods said. “It’s something I will never, ever forget.”
And while the prospect of a rejuvenated Woods isn’t exactly good news for his rivals, the reality is that even his fellow players are relishing the return of Tiger-mania, knowing full well what his recent achievement meant for the history – and the immediate future – of their sport.
“You could compare it to maybe the biggest, if not one of the biggest, moments in the history of golf,” said World No 20 Webb Simpson.
“From where he was, not knowing if he would ever play again. To come from feeling that way to winning the Masters is pretty amazing.”
As someone who grew up watching and idolising Woods, World No 1 Dustin Johnson still finds the prospect of going to toe-to-toe with him hugely exciting.
“For me to be competing against him when he’s coming back is a lot of fun,” said Johnson, who finished runner-up at the Masters. “He’s still a great player. I grew up watching him and kind of idolizing him so to get to play against him, it has been great.”
Tiger spotting at Bethpage. 🐅 #PGAChamp pic.twitter.com/LwyBnw3VsQ
— PGA Championship (@PGAChampionship) May 8, 2019
As he returns to the site of his 2002 US Open victory, Woods will try and get to within two of Jack Nicklaus’ major record. He is also just one win shy of Sam Snead’s record 82 PGA Tour wins.
He could also equal the record five PGA Championship titles by Nicklaus and Walter Hagen should he come out on top.
“My last three major championships have been pretty good,” Woods said. “So that in itself gives me a lot of confidence going down the road.”
And Woods isn’t worried about his age, either. With the advances in sport science, health and nutrition, being 43 isn’t what it used to be.
“Everyone works on their bodies, besides their game. Things have come a long way,” he said. “You’re just seeing guys that are taking care of their bodies a lot better and able to play longer.”
Latest
-
Ryder Cup
New Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald motivated by ‘bitter’ memories of 2021 defeat
Stenson was stripped of the role for breaking his contract by joining the Saudi-backed LIV Golf series.
-
Ryder Cup
The task facing Luke Donald after replacing Henrik Stenson
Stenson was appointed on March 15 and said he was fully committed to a role before signing with the Saudi-backed LIV Golf series.
-
Ryder Cup
Luke Donald named Europe’s Ryder Cup captain
Donald replaces Henrik Stenson after he was stripped of the role.
-
PGA Tour
Tony Finau claims second straight PGA Tour victory
The American won the 3M Open in his previous outing.
-
News
Henrik Stenson cushions Ryder Cup blow with £3.6m debut win in LIV Golf
The Swede was stripped of his role as Europe captain after joining the Saudi-backed breakaway tour.
-
News
Former Masters champion Bubba Watson becomes latest player to join LIV Golf
The left-hander is currently sidelined by a knee injury and is not expected to play until next season,
-
Ryder Cup
Luke Donald tipped to replace Henrik Stenson as Europe’s Ryder Cup captain
The Swede lost the job 127 days after his appointment following his decision to join the LIV Golf series.
-
News
Max Homa: Tiger Woods now understands the respect he commands from his peers
Homa has made no secret of his admiration for Woods.
-
Ryder Cup
Bernard Gallacher fears Greg Norman is not the man for compromise with LIV Golf
Players who have resigned from the PGA Tour to join LIV Golf will not be eligible for next year’s Ryder Cup.
-
LPGA Tour
Brooke Henderson takes two-shot lead into final round of Evian Championship
South Korea’s Ryu So-yeon climbed into outright second place on 15 under.