Tiger Woods clinched his fifth Masters and 15th major title with victory at Augusta in April.
Tiger Woods clinched his fifth Masters and 15th major title with victory at Augusta in April.
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The former world No. 1 had not won the Masters since 2005, and it was his first major win since 2008.
The former world No. 1 had not won the Masters since 2005, and it was his first major win since 2008.
David J. Phillip/AP
A month after winning the Masters, Woods received the nation's highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, from President Donald Trump.
A month after winning the Masters, Woods received the nation's highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, from President Donald Trump.
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Woods won the season-ending Tour Championship in September 2018. It was his first title in five years following a succession of back injuries.
Woods won the season-ending Tour Championship in September 2018. It was his first title in five years following a succession of back injuries.
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Signs that Woods was back to his best were obvious at August's PGA Championship, where he finished runner-up to Brooks Koepka. It followed an impressive showing at July's British Open, where he briefly topped the leaderboard.
Signs that Woods was back to his best were obvious at August's PGA Championship, where he finished runner-up to Brooks Koepka. It followed an impressive showing at July's British Open, where he briefly topped the leaderboard.
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Woods made an impressive return to competitive golf in 2018 after multiple back surgeries in recent years. He played his first Masters in three years in April 2018.
Woods made an impressive return to competitive golf in 2018 after multiple back surgeries in recent years. He played his first Masters in three years in April 2018.
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The four-time champion had back fusion surgery -- his fourth procedure -- in April 2017 and returned to the game pain-free in December. He finished tied 32nd at Augusta.
The four-time champion had back fusion surgery -- his fourth procedure -- in April 2017 and returned to the game pain-free in December. He finished tied 32nd at Augusta.
Andrew Redington/Getty Images
Woods was touted as one of the favorites after impressing in his early-season events. He also set tongues wagging by playing a practice round with old rival Phil Mickelson, right.
Woods was touted as one of the favorites after impressing in his early-season events. He also set tongues wagging by playing a practice round with old rival Phil Mickelson, right.
Andrew Redington/Getty Images
Woods finished tied second at the Valspar Championship in March 2018 and followed it up with a tie for fifth at the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill. The hype needle moved into overdrive.
Woods finished tied second at the Valspar Championship in March 2018 and followed it up with a tie for fifth at the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill. The hype needle moved into overdrive.
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Woods set out on his legendary path by becoming the youngest winner of the Masters -- at 21 -- with a record 12-shot win in 1997.
Woods set out on his legendary path by becoming the youngest winner of the Masters -- at 21 -- with a record 12-shot win in 1997.
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One of his most remarkable feats was winning his first US Open by an unprecedented 15 shots at Pebble Beach, California, in 2000, sparking a streak never seen before or since.
One of his most remarkable feats was winning his first US Open by an unprecedented 15 shots at Pebble Beach, California, in 2000, sparking a streak never seen before or since.
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Woods' victory in the 2001 Masters meant he held all four of golf's major titles at the same time, dubbed the "Tiger Slam."
Woods' victory in the 2001 Masters meant he held all four of golf's major titles at the same time, dubbed the "Tiger Slam."
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Woods' win rate, his dedication to fitness training and his desire to succeed were changing golf. Prize money rocketed because of Woods. Off the course, he married girlfriend Elin Nordegren in 2004.
Woods' win rate, his dedication to fitness training and his desire to succeed were changing golf. Prize money rocketed because of Woods. Off the course, he married girlfriend Elin Nordegren in 2004.
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Woods showed rare emotion when he broke down in tears on the shoulder of caddie Steve Williams following his win in the 2006 British Open at Hoylake, months after his father and mentor Earl passed away.
Woods showed rare emotion when he broke down in tears on the shoulder of caddie Steve Williams following his win in the 2006 British Open at Hoylake, months after his father and mentor Earl passed away.
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Despite being visibly hampered and in pain from a knee injury, Woods won the US Open in breathtaking fashion at Torrey Pines, California, in 2008. It was his 14th major title to leave him only four behind the record of Jack Nicklaus. He was later diagnosed with knee ligament damage and two fractures of his left tibia. He missed the rest of the season after surgery. It is still his last major title.
Despite being visibly hampered and in pain from a knee injury, Woods won the US Open in breathtaking fashion at Torrey Pines, California, in 2008. It was his 14th major title to leave him only four behind the record of Jack Nicklaus. He was later diagnosed with knee ligament damage and two fractures of his left tibia. He missed the rest of the season after surgery. It is still his last major title.
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In December 2009, Woods crashed his car into a fire hydrant outside his home. As the big picture emerged it was discovered Woods had been conducting a series of extra martial affairs. He took three months away from the game to sort out his private life.
In December 2009, Woods crashed his car into a fire hydrant outside his home. As the big picture emerged it was discovered Woods had been conducting a series of extra martial affairs. He took three months away from the game to sort out his private life.
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In February 2010 Woods addressed the world's media to explain and apologise for his actions. His infidelity led to divorce and was the beginning of a downhill slide in Woods' playing career. By October he lost the world No. 1 ranking, a position he had held for 281 consecutive weeks
In February 2010 Woods addressed the world's media to explain and apologise for his actions. His infidelity led to divorce and was the beginning of a downhill slide in Woods' playing career. By October he lost the world No. 1 ranking, a position he had held for 281 consecutive weeks
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Back in the fold, Woods earned his first win in two years at the <a >Chevron World Challenge </a>in December 2011, a charity tournament he hosts that does not count on the PGA Tour money list.
Back in the fold, Woods earned his first win in two years at the Chevron World Challenge in December 2011, a charity tournament he hosts that does not count on the PGA Tour money list.
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Woods was back in the winner's circle in 2013, lifting five titles, including the Arnold Palmer Invitational, to get back to the top of the rankings.
Woods was back in the winner's circle in 2013, lifting five titles, including the Arnold Palmer Invitational, to get back to the top of the rankings.
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In March 2013, Woods and Lindsey Vonn announced <a >they were dating on Facebook.</a> In January that year, the champion skier had finalized her divorce from Thomas Vonn, after initializing proceedings in 2011. In May 2015, Woods and Vonn announced their breakup, with the golfer claiming he "hadn't slept" in the days following.
In March 2013, Woods and Lindsey Vonn announced they were dating on Facebook. In January that year, the champion skier had finalized her divorce from Thomas Vonn, after initializing proceedings in 2011. In May 2015, Woods and Vonn announced their breakup, with the golfer claiming he "hadn't slept" in the days following.
Courtesy Lindsey Vonn and Tiger Woods
Later in 2013 there were signs all was not well as Woods was seen to be in pain as he picked the ball out of the hole at the Barclays tournament in August. He missed the Masters the following April for the first time since 1994 to undergo back surgery.
Later in 2013 there were signs all was not well as Woods was seen to be in pain as he picked the ball out of the hole at the Barclays tournament in August. He missed the Masters the following April for the first time since 1994 to undergo back surgery.
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Woods pulled out of the Farmers Insurance Open in February 2015, and struggled with injury and form for the rest of the season.
Woods pulled out of the Farmers Insurance Open in February 2015, and struggled with injury and form for the rest of the season.
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Woods cut a dejected figure at that year's US Open as he struggled with his game and carded rounds of 80 and 76 to miss the cut.
Woods cut a dejected figure at that year's US Open as he struggled with his game and carded rounds of 80 and 76 to miss the cut.
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In August 2015 Woods made his last appearance for 15 months to undergo follow-up back surgeries. At one stage during his rehabilitation, Woods spoke of there being "no light at the end of the tunnel" -- and with one eye on his fading career, he suggested "everything beyond this will be gravy."
In August 2015 Woods made his last appearance for 15 months to undergo follow-up back surgeries. At one stage during his rehabilitation, Woods spoke of there being "no light at the end of the tunnel" -- and with one eye on his fading career, he suggested "everything beyond this will be gravy."
Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images North America/Getty Images
Woods made a much-anticipated return to golf in December 2016, showing signs of promise with the highest number of birdies in the field -- 24 -- but he also made a number of costly errors to finish third from last in the 18-man event.
Woods made a much-anticipated return to golf in December 2016, showing signs of promise with the highest number of birdies in the field -- 24 -- but he also made a number of costly errors to finish third from last in the 18-man event.
Christian Petersen/Getty Images North America/Getty Images
He missed the cut in his first event of 2017 in the US and pulled out after the first round of the Dubai Desert Classic in February, citing back spasms. He underwent a fourth back prodecure in April.
He missed the cut in his first event of 2017 in the US and pulled out after the first round of the Dubai Desert Classic in February, citing back spasms. He underwent a fourth back prodecure in April.
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The golf legend <a target="_blank">was arrested</a> Monday, May 29, on suspicion of driving under the influence. He was booked into a local jail in Florida and released a few hours later. He said in a statement he had "an unexpected reaction to prescribed medications."
The golf legend was arrested Monday, May 29, on suspicion of driving under the influence. He was booked into a local jail in Florida and released a few hours later. He said in a statement he had "an unexpected reaction to prescribed medications."
Palm Beach County Sheriffís Office
In August Woods entered a first-offender program and pleaded guilty to reckless driving on October 28. He will avoid jail unless he commits major violations of his probation.
In August Woods entered a first-offender program and pleaded guilty to reckless driving on October 28. He will avoid jail unless he commits major violations of his probation.
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Woods returned to golf after 301 days at the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas on November 30 2017. He carded a three-under first-round 69 and appeared pain-free and hungry to resume his career.
Woods returned to golf after 301 days at the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas on November 30 2017. He carded a three-under first-round 69 and appeared pain-free and hungry to resume his career.
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Tiger Woods: From highs to lows
CNN  — 

Tiger Woods may have to battle a bit harder for his next major victory but a 15th title is “not out of the realms of possibility,” according to one of his best friends Notah Begay.

The former world No. 1 ended the 2018 season on a high with victory in the Tour Championship at East Lake for his first win in five years after overcoming four back surgeries.

Woods, who will turn 43 on December 26, took his tally of PGA Tour wins to 80, two behind the all-time record of Sam Snead, but it is Jack Nicklaus’ record of 18 major titles that he has long coveted.

Many thought his multiple back injuries had put paid to that, but Begay, Woods’ college roommate at Stanford, says the pursuit of Nicklaus is back on the agenda.

“I think now the first win is out of the way he is focused on getting off 14 [major wins] and on to 15,” four-time PGA Tour winner Begay told CNN Sport.

“I do not think that’s out of the realm of possibility.”

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tiger woods championship
Tiger on track for 15th major - Notah Begay
04:30 - Source: CNN

Woods underwent spine fusion surgery in April 2017, paving the way for a remarkable comeback this season in which he briefly led the Open with nine holes to play before finishing sixth and came second at August’s US PGA.

He scored three other top-five finishes, and led September’s season-ending Tour Championship from start to finish..

Woods famously won all 14 of his major titles when leading after 54 holes but Begay says he will have to get better at coming out of the pack on the final day if he wants to add to his total.

“I don’t think he has as much firepower as he used to have and can go out there and dominate like we saw him in so many of his other major championships,” said Begay, the only full-blood native American on the Tour.

“I think it’s going to be a little tighter and in some cases he may have to come from behind after 54 holes which he hasn’t really been very good at in his career.”

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ATLANTA, GA - SEPTEMBER 23: Tiger Woods of the United States celebrates making a par on the 18th green to win the TOUR Championship at East Lake Golf Club on September 23, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Tim Bradbury/Getty Images)
Tiger Woods grabs first tour win in 5 years
01:19 - Source: CNN

‘Big impact’

Begay is one of the few people in Woods’ inner circle, and he admits he feared his friend’s career was over.

“I was sat in his living room right after the first surgery [in March 2014] and he was moving around like an 85-year-old man,” he says. “I literally thought the career of the greatest golfer I’d ever known and one of my dearest friends in the world was coming to an end.”

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Related video Why Europe triumphed and US crumbled?

Woods has been open about the “dark times” he faced, which is why his comeback has been so remarkable, says Begay, who now works as an analyst for Golf Channel.

“We were about two weeks removed from that victory at East Lake and I got a text from Tiger one morning and it was simply like, ‘I can’t believe I won my 80th golf tournament,’” he added.

“It still hasn’t settled with him, so that’s how big an impact it made on him personally and the ripple effect it’s having on our game is extreme – the economic benefits, the TV ratings, the interest in the game.”

Tiger Woods celebrates after <a >winning the PGA Tour Championship</a> at East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta on Sunday, September 23.
Tiger Woods celebrates after winning the PGA Tour Championship at East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta on Sunday, September 23.
Tim Bradbury/Getty Images
Woods raises his hands in the air after tapping in a par putt on his final stroke. It was Woods' 80th victory and his first since 2013.
Woods raises his hands in the air after tapping in a par putt on his final stroke. It was Woods' 80th victory and his first since 2013.
Chris Condon/US PGA Tour/Getty Images
Woods hugs caddie Joe LaCava after winning. Woods has been plagued by pain and injury problems in recent years.
Woods hugs caddie Joe LaCava after winning. Woods has been plagued by pain and injury problems in recent years.
Sam Greenwood/Getty Images
Fans take pictures as Woods tees off on the fourth hole Sunday. Thousands of fans followed Woods during the final round.
Fans take pictures as Woods tees off on the fourth hole Sunday. Thousands of fans followed Woods during the final round.
Sam Greenwood/Getty Images
Woods and Justin Rose fist-bump on the 16th green during the third round Saturday, September 22.
Woods and Justin Rose fist-bump on the 16th green during the third round Saturday, September 22.
John Amis/AP
Woods shoots out of the sand onto the 15th green Saturday during the third round.
Woods shoots out of the sand onto the 15th green Saturday during the third round.
John Amis/AP
Woods plays a shot on the 17th hole Saturday.
Woods plays a shot on the 17th hole Saturday.
Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
Fans watch the second round of the Tour Championship on Friday.
Fans watch the second round of the Tour Championship on Friday.
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Woods lines up a putt on the 18th green during the second round on Friday, September 21.
Woods lines up a putt on the 18th green during the second round on Friday, September 21.
Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
Tiger Woods fist-bumps with fans after leaving the 18th hole during the first round on Thursday, September 20.
Tiger Woods fist-bumps with fans after leaving the 18th hole during the first round on Thursday, September 20.
Stan Badz/PGA Tour/Getty Images
Woods celebrates after making an eagle putt on 18 on Thursday during the first round.
Woods celebrates after making an eagle putt on 18 on Thursday during the first round.
Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
In photos: Tiger Woods' comeback victory

The footage of vast crowds stampeding after Woods as he wrapped up his East Lake win were a throwback to his heyday in the early 2000s. TV ratings were up 206% on last year and the coverage yielded the highest rating for a non-major all year, third only to the Masters and the PGA Championship in which he chased home Brooks Koepka.

“Half the people watch because they’re waiting for a train wreck or want to see him fail, and the other half want to be inspired and relive those historic wins that he had in ’97 at the Masters or 2000 at Pebble Beach in the US Open,” added Begay.

“Those are nostalgic-type victories that make people that are at different points in their lives remember just how fun sports and golf and Tiger Woods made watching golf.”

READ: How a WhatsApp “love-in” and tattoo pledge inspired Europe in Ryder Cup

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Tiger Woods perfect day tease
Tiger Woods' ideal day: 'Caddyshack,' oatmeal?
01:35 - Source: CNN

Since his last major victory at the 2008 US Open, Woods has gone through scandal in his private life, divorce, injuries and an issue with his medications for back pain which led to a driving-under-the-influence charge in May 2018.

His back story makes him even more compelling, says Begay.

“All of the distractions and challenges Tiger has had off the golf course not only brought in more people to take an interest in whether or not he’s going to make the cut or make the putt or win the tournament and you see it in the TV ratings,” he says.

“There’s not a single player, not even close, that can drive ratings like Tiger Woods. He doesn’t have to win, he just has to tee it up.”

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Despite failing to help the USA retain the Ryder Cup in France in September, all eyes will be on Woods when he tees it up again in 2019 with history beckoning.