Tiger Woods makes comeback, wins first Masters in 11 years

After an 11-year drought, golf’s most popular figure has added another major to his dossier, outlasting a star-studded leaderboard on Sunday by posting a final round 2-under 70 to win the 2019 Masters. It’s his first major win since the 2008 U.S. Open, 15th of his career and first at Augusta National since 2005. With five green jackets now in his Augusta locker, Woods is second all-time at the pristine course behind only Jack Nicklaus, who won six times between 1963 and 1986.

"THE RETURN TO GLORY!"

Tiger Woods wins the Masters for the 5th time. pic.twitter.com/u3cNdQm6MG

— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) April 14, 2019

Woods became a five-time Masters winner on Sunday, which stands alone as the second-most in the sport’s history ahead of Arnold Palmer. The victory marks Woods’ first at Augusta since 2005, when he capped an incredible decade of dominance at the event he also won in 1997, 2000 and 2001.

“It’s overwhelming,” says Woods of winning for the fifth time. “I think just because of what has transpired, and last year I was just very lucky to be playing again. The previous dinner, the champions dinner, I was really struggling and missed a couple of years of not playing this great tournament. To now be the champion, 22 years between wins is a long time. But it’s just unreal for me to experience this. My mom was here, she was there in 97 as well. So I just couldn’t be more happy and more excited and I’m kind of at a loss for words, really.”

Congratulatory messages have poured in for the golfer from around the world. Celebrities including Serena Williams, Steph Curry, LeBron James. Check out their messages below.

I SALUTE YOU @TigerWoods?????? #Inspired

— LeBron James (@KingJames) April 14, 2019

I am literally in tears watching @TigerWoods this is Greatness like no other. Knowing all you have been through physically to come back and do what you just did today? Wow Congrats a million times! I am so inspired thank you buddy.

— Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) April 14, 2019

Greatest comeback story in sports! Congrats @TigerWoods Let me hold one of those 5 jackets one time!

— Stephen Curry (@StephenCurry30) April 14, 2019

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