The moment of the golf year was nominated at the Golfweek editorial summit in May. The debate ended when Tiger Woods crossed the Swilcan Burn Bridge. Although it can be difficult to agree on certain year-end awards, there was consensus as everyone nodded and we moved on to the next category. Such was the goosebumps-on-goosebumps moment that was Tiger Woods potentially saying farewell to his competitive days at the Old Course at St. Andrews in the 150th British Open.
The only thing missing was that it took place on Friday afternoon, Woods failing to make the cut and being celebrated on Sunday. Woods, who was the winner of three Claret Jugs in his 15 major championship wins, two at St. Andrews in 2000 and 2005 respectively, skipped this year’s U.S. Open to let his right leg heal and allow the rest of his body to heal sufficiently to play. Woods knew this was the tournament he wanted to play in 2022, and he didn’t want to miss it.
It didn’t matter that he was 9-over and would be destined to miss by a significant margin. The 18th hole was the scene of a gathering of fans who had gathered early in the morning. They waited for Woods’ approach to the Swilcan Bridge, which leads players across the first 18 th holes and onto the 18 th fairway.
Nothing but love for @TigerWoods pic.twitter.com/7olNGiAb5G
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR July 15, 2022
Woods was accompanied by Woods’ caddie Joe LaCava as Woods approached Bridge alone. This is where Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus, as well as Tom Watson before them, bid farewell to the Old Grey Toon. Woods took a slower pace and raised his white Nike cap to show his appreciation. However, he never really stopped for the long ceremony stop many expected. Woods was expecting to make at least one more turn around the Old Course. Not even he knows.
He said that he didn’t know if he would ever play St. Andrews again in a British Open. However, he did say that he was very grateful to have had the opportunity to do so. It was my favorite course, and I don’t know if it was the end, but it was possible to finish my career there. It’s why I felt so emotional, because I don’t know if St. Andrews will ever be played again. Open Championships will be played in the future, but I don’t know if it will return there.
After teeing on the 18th hole of the 150th Open Championship, Tiger Woods wished the crowd a happy birthday. (Photo by Michael Madrid-USA TODAY Sport)
Steve DiMeglio, Golfweek’s editor, wrote that “There were tears in His eyes, weight in His heart.”
Woods stated, “It’s very emotionally for me.” I had some tears. It was the warmth and the ovation at 18, that got me. “I don’t get teary-eyed about anything.
Woods speculated that it’s unlikely that the Open will return to St. Andrews before 2030, when he would be 53 years old.
He said, “I don’t know if my physical condition will allow me to play by then.” “So, to my mind, this felt like the last British Open at St. Andrews.”
Woods was not the only one to be greeted by cheers as he walked 18 the fairway. Rory McIlroy was nearby and gave a tip to the man who inspired him to play golf. Justin Thomas was there, waiting for Woods to reach the 18 th green.
Woods stated, “It was simply amazing.” “The respect I got from the guys when they were going out, and I was coming into, was just amazing. It’s great to feel and see this from the perspective of a player’s fraternity.
Fitzpatrick stated that the scene gave him goosebumps and added, “It’s something I will always remember.”
With all of us. It was therefore the moment of the Year.
