Tiger Woods’ 2019 Masters victory was one of the most unlikely comeback stories in sporting history.
After winning the 2008 US Open with a torn ACL, injuries and off-course controversies derailed Tiger Woods’ career, leaving him majorless for over a decade. That ended Woods’ chase of Jack Nicklaus’ major championship record, leaving many to wonder whether he could ever win again.
But in 2019, Woods won The Masters to prove everybody wrong, claiming his fifth Green Jacket and 15th major championship. It was an immense display of mental fortitude just to get back on the course after multiple surgeries and years of heartbreak, so winning the tournament was an unbelievable achievement.
Even Woods’ best friends had doubts that he could ever make it back to the top. Michael Jordan, who has a close relationship with Woods, explained why he had serious doubts about his ability to return to the form that made him the greatest golfer of all time.
What Michael Jordan couldn’t tell Tiger Woods about his game in 2016
In 2016, Woods missed all four majors in one year due to problems with his back. He underwent two separate back surgeries in the year, but he remained resolute in his mission to catch Nicklaus. He told journalist Charlie Rose in October that he still wanted to break the record.
While Woods remained determined, the people around him weren’t so optimistic. That included Jordan, who said in 2016, “The thing is, I love him so much that I can’t tell him, ‘You’re not gonna be great again.”
Not only does the Chicago Bulls legend know a thing or two about greatness, he also understands better than anyone how difficult it is to accept that you are no longer the athlete you once were.
Jordan came back from retirement twice in the NBA. The first time was to play baseball, and when he returned, Jordan won another three championships. The second time, his return wasn’t so emphatic. He came back to play for the Washington Wizards, where he lost more than he won.
How many majors would Tiger Woods have won without his injuries?
But after Woods won The Masters and proved Jordan’s prediction to be completely false, he said he was happy to be proven wrong. The six-time NBA Champion said it was the greatest comeback he has ever seen.
Jordan said, “I took two years off to play baseball, but nothing like that. I’m pretty sure he questioned himself, whether he could get it back, and he had to put a lot of work in. But he took it head-on. He had to change his game; he had to change his perspective a little bit. To me, it was the greatest comeback I’ve ever seen.
“I never thought he’d get back physically. He didn’t think he’d get back physically. But he did it. No one expected him to be back the way he is now. He’s probably the only person who believed he could get back. To me, that’s a major accomplishment. To me, it’s unbelievable. Mentally, you always think you can. But you can’t answer to what your body has to deal with.”
Jordan said the future was ominous for Woods’ opponents, adding, “They got problems. His confidence is only going to build from here. The unknown is the biggest thing. He’s won a Tour event, he’s won the Masters, he’s won a major.”
How Phil Mickelson reacted to Tiger Woods winning The Masters in 2019
Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods shared an intense rivalry. They battled it out for the sport’s biggest prizes throughout the 2000s as both became all-time greats of the sport.
But after Woods won The Masters in 2019, Mickelson had nothing but words of admiration for Woods. He posted to Twitter (now X): “What a great moment for the game of golf. I’m so impressed by @TigerWoods’ incredible performance, and I’m so happy for him to capture another Green Jacket.
Which four players do you choose?
“Truly a special day that will go down in history. Congratulations, Tiger! #rematch ????”
Mickelson was equally gracious when Woods announced his back surgery in October. It seems that the rivalry is behind them, and Mickelson only wants the best for the 15-time major winner.
Receive exclusive golf news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
