When Tiger Woods eventually takes up a permanent position in his armchair, reminiscences from this past weekend are sure to be among the first his grandchildren are subject to.
It was certainly among the most emotive of his 15 major wins, largely down to the presence of his children, the people in his life he has developed that extra sense of devotion to in recent years. Dedication to his craft in the past has seen quality time with his family suffer; now, he has managed to merge the two most important aspects of his life into a perfect blend that came to fruition on the 18th green at Augusta.
And, naturally, when the time came to sit down in front of a room full of hacks, the 43-year-old didn't take long to express how special having his children present was as he rolled back the years to win by a single stroke.
Speaking after the victory, Woods said:
Yeah, I think the kids are starting to understand how much this game means to me, and some of the things I've done in the game; prior to comeback, they only knew that golf caused me a lot of pain. If I tried to swing a club I would be on the ground and I struggled for years, and that's basically all they remember.
Luckily I've had the procedure where that's no longer the case and I can do this again. So, you know, we're creating new memories for them, and it's just very special.
I think that - I think - well, I hope, I hope they are proud of me. I hope they are proud of their dad. So I've been very blessed to have two great kids, and just to have them here to see this and witness this, you know, I've tried to describe - they have never been to Augusta National, so try and describe the slopes and everything. I said, 'This is a pretty unique event. This is very special. Really hope you guys are able to come.'
Naturally, he was quizzed on the secret behind his comeback; and for those with ambitions of making an attempt at a golf career late in life, and perhaps claiming a major trophy for the mantelpiece, Woods' reply was far from inspiring.
Disappointingly for those seeking a magical antidote to lifelong inadequacies on the greens, Woods' success, according to the man himself, can be boiled down to hard work in the gym and the kitchen.
Well, I think it's training and nutrition. Exercise programs have changed. They have progressed. The treatment protocols have changed. Guys are able to take care of their bodies for a longer period of time. We know how important it is to eat perfectly and to train and also the recovery tactics that you have to employ, especially as you get older. As we get older, it sucks hopping in those ice baths, but it's just part of the deal.
I can play a much longer period of time. I don't have to hit the ball 340 yards. I can still plod my way around the golf course. We saw it here with Jack in '98; he had a chance to win. We saw Tom Watson at 59 had it on his putter.
In this sport, we're able to play a much longer period of time, and you're just seeing guys that are taking care of their bodies a lot better and able to play longer.
So unless the Masters champion is hiding something, the golf careers of aging fathers seem resigned to the local weekend stableford. Maybe he'll let the secret slip to his grandchildren in time in the armchair; then again, maybe he's just a damn good golfer. Either way, the rest of us are unlikely to make it much further beyond the stabelford for the foreseeable future. Oh well.
