Couldn’t let us all have this one, could you
There were wet eyes all across this drifting lump of rock when Tiger Woods beat a stellar chasing pack to win his first Major in 11 years at a ram-rodded Augusta National.
Tiger Woods, who had not won a Masters title since 2005, kept his nerve and played some wonderful golf down the stretch to claim that coveted green jacket for a fifth time.
The Masters had gripped golf fans, from casual to manic, from the first tee shot on Thursday until Woods sank the final putt on 18.
The deed done, folks gushed about his comeback from the brink of retirement after four spinal surgeries in recent years. However, as people went onto social media to join in the chorus of acclaim, there were a few presidential tweets awaiting them.
That’s right, Presidents Donald Trump and Barack Obama had been glued to the action in Georgia.
Trump scatter-gunned off a host of missives over the course of a gripping afternoon while Obama kept his powder dry until the race was won.
Great Masters going on right now. @TigerWoods is leading with 2 holes left to play. Very exciting, tune in!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 14, 2019
Watching final hole of @TheMasters. @TigerWoods is looking GREAT!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 14, 2019
Congratulations to @TigerWoods., a truly Great Champion!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 14, 2019
Love people who are great under pressure. What a fantastic life comeback for a really great guy! https://t.co/41MtJtYEjq
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 14, 2019
This, of course, sparked a host of replies – good, bad and apocalyptically angry – and some revelled in sharing a snap or three (hundred) of Woods posing for pictures with the golf-loving Trump.
After The Northern Trust Open, in August 2018, Woods was asked a few questions about his relationship with President Trump. He commented:
“Well, I’ve known Donald for a number of years. We’ve played golf together. We’ve had dinner together. I’ve known him pre-presidency and obviously during his presidency.”
Another reporter pressed Woods on his ‘friendly relationship’ with the US President but Woods straight-batted with the following reply:
“He’s the president of the United States and you have to respect the office. No matter who’s in the office, you may like, dislike the personality or the politics, but we all must respect the office.”
A third reporter asked another Trump-related question and Woods responded that he had ‘just finished 72 holes’ and ‘was really hungry’. End of that discussion, for that day.
The likes of Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player – two Masters dons – were quick to praise Woods for his 15th Major triumph, and so too was President Obama.
Congratulations, Tiger! To come back and win the Masters after all the highs and lows is a testament to excellence, grit, and determination.
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) April 14, 2019
