My #1 moment of 2022 and what an emotional moment it is. I think it's best to start with this quote from, none other than, Mike Tyson: "Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face."
Tiger had planned on an incredible round, hopefully contending for the 150th Open Championship at his favorite golf course in the world. Then his opening drive - a perfectly straight and beautiful shot that any of us would kill for - lands in a divot. His second - again a good looking shot - hits a gust of wind and bounces into the burn. He ended up with a double bogey and it just seemed to take the wind out of his sails. He would end the day at 6 over par, needing to shoot a 66 in round 2 to try and make the cut. He ended up shooting a 75 in round 2 (3 over par) and would miss the cut at 9 over par for the tournament…but's that's not the story.
I don't think anyone was prepared for what would come as he walked across the Swilcan Bridge. His playing
partners, Matt Fitzpatrick and Max Home (and the caddies) all stood back to let the G.O.A.T have his moment. Unlike Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer before him, Tiger didn't stop and tip his cap. He just walked across the bridge, as he's done several times before, but did remove his cap and waved to the crowd…and then the tears started…for everyone. Tiger was, obviously, emotional and I can't imagine a single golf fan watching that didn't get choked up.
I believe this is, with no hesitation, the biggest and most memorable stories of the year. Tiger may never play, competitively, St. Andrews again. I hope that's not true, but if it is, I don't think anyone will talk about his score, just his impact on the game.
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