Tough news coming out of the golf world this week. PGA Legend Tiger Woods was severely injured in a car accident this past Tuesday near Ranchos Palos Verdes, California. The headline was shocking in itself, especially when the sports world is still reeling in the tragic helicopter accident of Kobe Bryant, a little over a year ago.
At first, there was little information shared on what caused the accident and the injuries Tiger sustained, per HIPAA regulations and proper reporting. All the greater population knew was that his vehicle was heavily damaged and that Tiger was likely as well. Overhead photos released emphasized this as his Genesis GV80 was in terrible shape, though was later released that the car stopped any life-ending injuries. UCLA’s chief medical officer announced that Tiger sustained, “Comminuted open fractures affecting both the upper and lower portions of the tibia and fibula bones were stabilized by inserting a rod into the tibia. Additional injuries to the bones of the foot and ankle were stabilized with a combination of screws and pins.”
The Los Angeles Police Department released a statement on the situation stating, “Mr. Woods was extricated from the wreck with the ‘jaws of life’ by Los Angeles County firefighters and paramedics, then transported to a local hospital by ambulance for his injuries.”
Per when terrible situations happen, the sports community came together to show support for Tiger Woods. From former President Barack Obama to fellow golfers and even an etched sign “get well” on a sand trap at St. Andrews course in Scotland, the world let Tiger know that we had his back.
Fellow professional golfer Rory McIlroy was preparing for the WGC-Workday Championship at The Concession in Florida on Wednesday when a reporter asked him if he thought Tiger would be able to make a comeback. McIlroy’s answer perfectly encaptured the response that the world, especially the golf world, should be having. “He’s not Superman. He’s a human being at the end of the day, and he’s already been through so much. At this stage, I think everyone should just be grateful that he’s here, that he’s alive, that his kids haven’t lost their dad. That’s the most important thing. Golf is so far from the equation right now. It’s not even on the map at this point.’’
Tiger Woods is human. While his ability on the course may be superhuman, he is down to the core, just like one of us. He has family, friends, and people who care for him on and mostly off, the golf course. Sure, Tiger is arguably the greatest comeback athlete of all time, from multiple injuries, serious personal issues, and known painkiller addiction, Tiger has always found a way to get back.
However, in this situation, I believe that it’s okay to acknowledge that maybe he won’t this time. As a golfer myself, a world without Tiger on the PGA tour is tough to think about. He has provided numerous memories that keep the game alive, from his 2001 Masters win, 2006 British Open to his relationship with his son, Charlie. But right now, all I want is for Tiger to be able to walk, to hug his family, and for one day maybe to swing a club with his son. If that doesn’t happen, it doesn’t and will never change what Tiger has given us.