Despite this score which made him unscrew in 47th position, it is a feat that the 46-year-old American managed, by managing first to pass the cut, then to go to the end of the 72 holes.

Because he had narrowly avoided the amputation of his right leg, after his accident on February 23, 2021 near Los Angeles which caused him multiple open fractures which ultimately required inserting a metal rod in his tibia, and screws to strengthen the bones of the foot and ankle.

Tiger had been hospitalized for weeks and many wondered if he would even be able to walk normally again.

He does better than that: he became a golfer again.

"A month ago, I didn't know if I could do this. It's a positive point. I still have work to do. I can't wait to get back to it," he said. hot reacted.

American Tiger Woods, after his par on the 3rd green during the last round of the Masters, on April 10, 2022 on the Augusta course (Georgia) JAMIE SQUIRE GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA/AFP

The day before, his +6 card, his worst ever conceded in one day, had destroyed his dreams of a 6th coronation, which would have allowed him to equal Jack Niklaus as the most successful golfer in Georgia and to add a 16th Major on his list to get closer to the 18 of his glorious elder.

strong emotion

The victory, he already knew, will be played between the American Scottie Scheffler, world No.1, and the Australian Cameron Smith (6th), separated by four strokes (-10/-6) after six holes.

This time, Woods was no better, returning a 78, like Saturday.

Under a bright sun finally returned and taking advantage of a wind finally gone, he nevertheless started well by making a birdie on the par five of N.2.

But there was no other.

Because like the day before, Tiger was betrayed by his putt and chained three bogeys at N.4, 5 and 6. Then two others were added, at N.11 and N.14.

American Tiger Woods tries an approach on the 5th hole green, during the last round of the Masters, on April 10, 2022 on the Augusta course (Georgia) DAVID CANNON GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA/AFP

On this last hole, however, he managed his best putt of the day, 11 meters long uphill after a previous one, shorter (8 m) and affordable, finally left to run aground slowly downhill.

Enough to get him a smile.

He quickly lost it by making double bogey on the N.17.

But the hour was already with a strong emotion, but contained, while approaching the ultimate green on the N.18, under the cheers fed by an audience, whose fervor towards him was never denied during the weekend.

Present at the British Open

"I didn't play my best, but having that support, I don't think words can describe how I felt. It was amazing," he said.

American Tiger Woods, at the start of the 9th hole, during the last round of the Masters, on April 10, 2022 on the Augusta course (Georgia) Gregory Shamus GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA/AFP

The fans have indeed worn it throughout the mythical course where it has never dragged its leg despite the fatigue and certainly the pain.

Even if, during his long walk, we saw him leaning on his cane several times and massaging his lower back with a back that was also tested after five operations undergone in recent years.

The immense champion that he is, which his score cannot deny, roared again at Augusta and he intends to do so again this year.

Because only the anime wins.

"I will only play the big tournaments from now on, I can no longer do full seasons. I plan to be in St. Andrews (in Scotland, for the British Open in July, editor's note). I won twice there, it's a tournament close to my heart on my favorite course," he said.

The American Tiger Woods, at the start of the 2nd hole, during the 1st round of the British Open, July 16, 2015 on the course of St Andrews (Scotland) GLYN KIRK AFP / Archives

"As for the events scheduled on the calendar until then, I don't know. I will do my best for the PGA Championship (2nd Major of the season) in Southern Hills (Tulsa, Arizona), as I did for come back here. We'll see if my body will allow it."

© 2022 AFP