The year is 2008, and Tiger Woods is on top of the golf world.  Through a torn ACL, Woods won the U.S. Open Championship, his 14th major title, which led to his placement at #1 in the World Golf Rankings, including over $90 million in on-course earnings.

Some off-the-course issues ensued the following year and eventually led to the catastrophic downfall of one of golf’s most prolific athletes to ever play the game. Woods confessed his guilt of cheating on his wife, which led to major companies dropping sponsorships with him. Injuries to his neck, MCL, Achilles, and back called a need for multiple surgeries, which would hinder Woods’ on-course performance. By 2017, Woods saw himself outside of the top 1,000 ranked golfers. It appeared that Woods’ reputation, on and off the course, was ruined.

After striving for a comeback all throughout 2018, the stage was set for a triumphant return to glory at the 2019 Masters. Woods sat just two shots back of the lead held by Francesco Molinari heading into the final round.  Molinari, leader through the opening rounds and defending Open champion, had gone the entirety of the match without going under par, until firing a tee shot on the twelfth hole into a water hazard. Molinari would double-bogey that hole; Woods parred.  This led the two golfers to be tied for the lead heading into the back stretch of the course.

With the crowd on his side, Woods gained momentum and found his rhythm, knocking in three birdies through the next five holes, giving him a comfortable two shot lead over the rest of the competition, with players like Brooks Koepka and Dustin Johnson looking to storm back.  His fate laid on the 18th hole.

Woods hit two solid fairway shots before chipping onto the green.  A two-putt was all Woods needed to seal his victory. The fans were heard cheering after every marching step Woods took.  He lined up his put, but the shot barely missed to the right of the hole. Nevertheless, Woods still had an easy tap-in to seal his fifth green jacket. As the ball hit the bottom of the hole, the crowd erupted into a raucous cheer as Woods pumped two fists in the air in celebration. Considering that he saw his own career as “washed” just two years prior, the 43-year-old was overtaken by his emotions as he hugged his children in victorious delight.

Woods fifth victory at Augusta National ties him for second all-time in Masters’ wins with the legendary Arnold Palmer, leaving him one behind Jack Nicklaus for most all-time. This victory also gave Woods his 15th major championship, trailing only Nicklaus’ 18..  After it seemed as if Woods was going to easily cruise past these records set by Nicklaus, Woods is still poised to rewrite the record books, despite his major career setbacks. Woods’ comeback story is one of the greatest in the history of sports, and the world will be watching as he continues to make his mark on golf.