15 April, 2019
After 11 years, Tiger Woods finally did it again.
On Sunday, the world famous golfer won the 2019 Masters Tournament in Augusta, Georgia, his first major victory since 2008.
The win marks the fifth time Woods has won the Masters competition. The last time was in 2005.
Sunday's victory was not entirely unexpected. Woods ended last year by winning the Tour Championship at East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta, Georgia.
Woods told the Associated Press, "The win at East Lake was a big confidence booster for me because I had come close last year a couple times. Still have to get it across the finish line, and I didn't quite do it."
Woods lost what many considered to be his perfect public image to a sex scandal in 2009. It was one of the fastest and most surprising downfalls in sports history. He also suffered back problems which required four surgeries. He went two years without even playing a major tournament.
Now, his comeback is complete.
Woods is three wins short of the record of 18 major victories set by golfing great Jack Nicklaus.
"A big ‘well done' from me to Tiger," Nicklaus wrote on Twitter. "I am so happy for him and for the game of golf..."
Even former president Barack Obama praised Woods' victory. He wrote on Twitter, "Congratulations, Tiger! To come back and win the Masters after all the highs and lows is a testament to excellence..."
Woods now has 81 professional golf wins, one short of the record set by Sam Snead. That record could be tied next month, when Woods is likely to play at the Wells Fargo Championship in Charlotte, North Carolina.
The next major golf tournament will the PGA Championship from May 16-19.
A Reuters reporter asked Woods whether Nicklaus should be concerned about his record being broken. Woods said, "I don't know if he's worried or not. I'm just enjoying 15."
I'm Jonathan Evans.
Jonathan Evans adapted this story for Learning English from reports by the Associated Press and Reuters. Caty Weaver was the editor.
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Words in This Story
booster – n. something that helps or encourages someone or something
confidence – n. a feeling or belief that you can do something well or succeed at something
comeback – n. a return to a former good position or condition
scandal – n. an occurrence in which people are shocked and upset because of behavior that is morally or legally wrong
testament – n. proof or evidence that something exists or is true