Tiger Woods made it through the Masters. So what did we learn? When might we see him next? We answer the big questions about Tiger Woods — what happened and what is ahead.
AUGUSTA, Ga. — After playing 72 holes over four straight days at one of the most demanding golf courses in the world, Tiger Woods was asked if he was in much pain Sunday after finishing up his Masters. « Uh-huh, » Woods answered. Woods’ return to professional golf won’t be remembered for the consecutive rounds of 6-over 78, the worst in his career here, or his nearly unrecognizable putting on the slick greens of Augusta National Golf Course. This past week will be remembered for the grit and determination he displayed while limping around the place where he had previously won five times. He refused to give in. Even though he posted his worst score in 24 Masters appearances as a professional, he completed and finished a tournament less than 14 months after he nearly lost his right leg in a car wreck outside Los Angeles. « It’s one thing to play with my son at a hit-and-giggle, but it’s another thing to play in a major championship, » Woods said. « It’s been a tough road, and one that I’m very thankful to have the opportunity to be able to grind through it. A lot of different things could have happened, but 14 months [later], I’m able to tee it up and play in the Masters. » What did we learn about Woods over the past week at Augusta National? And what comes next? Here are answers to those questions: Woods has said his days of playing a full schedule are over and he’ll only show up at the big events. At this point, the best guess — and it’s completely speculation — is that Tiger is eyeing the remaining three major championships and potentially the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas, an event that benefits his foundation, in late November. After his round Sunday, Woods told Sky Sports that he plans to play in The Open at St. Andrews in July. He isn’t yet sure if he’ll play in the PGA Championship at Southern Hills in May or the U.S. Open at The Country Club in Brookline, Massachusetts, in June. « It’ll be just the big events, » Woods said. « I don’t know if it’ll be Southern Hills or not. But I am looking forward to St. Andrews. That is something that is near and dear to my heart. I’ve won two Opens there, it’s the home of golf. It’s my favorite golf course in the world, so I will be there for that one. « But anything in between that, I don’t know. I will try, no doubt. Like this week, I will try to get ready for Southern Hills and we’ll see what this body is able to do. » The PGA Championship begins May 19. Woods won the 2007 PGA Championship that was played at Southern Hills; it was his second straight victory in the event and the last time he won it. The U.S. Open will take place at The Country Club outside Boston, starting June 16.
