The great Sam Snead was 52 when he won his 82nd and final PGA Tour title. Tiger Woods is 43 and has just equalled that particular record.
His three shot win in the Zozo Championship in Japan on Monday added to his extraordinary year and proved, yet again, that predicting anything when it comes to Woods really is a fool’s errand.
With a body that occasionally creaks and groans like wonky scaffolding in a gale, nobody really knows if Woods will be playing next year let alone past his half century like Snead.
After his fairytale win in April’s Masters, which completed his remarkable rise from the pits of physical, psychological and professional despair, a visibly jaded Woods struggled through much of the season while further surgery on his knee in August led to more doom-mongering about his future career prospects.
In yet another twist in the Tiger tale, however, rounds of 64, 64, 66 and 67 for a 19-under tally in the far east, which left him clear of home hero Hideki Matsuyama, silenced the doubters … again.
“As far as playing until 52, I hope that’s the case,” said a jubilant Woods as he looked towards emulating Snead's longevity.
“If you would have asked me a few years ago, I would have given you a different answer, but certainly the future looks brighter than it has. The body can’t do what it used to but I can still think my way around the golf course.
"This week was a good sign for the future,” Woods added. “Hopefully I can be as consistent as Sam was, well into my 40s and early 50s.
If he only knew ...
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) October 28, 2019
The only two with 82. pic.twitter.com/6B4s3oYg5E
“It’s satisfying to dig my way out of it and figure out a way. There were some hard times trying to figure it out but I’ve come back with different games over the years, moving patterns and this one’s been obviously the most challenging.
"Then having another procedure a couple months ago and again coming back and winning an event? Not easy to do.”
Woods still has captaincy duties to perform before 2019 is done as he skippers the USA team at the President’s Cup. He may yet name himself as a wild card pick?
When it comes to Woods, you wouldn't bet against anything.
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