Tiger Woods' Masters Wins Revisited As 2026 Tournament Begins
The 2026 Masters Tournament tees off today at Augusta National, reigniting discussions about Tiger Woods' historic victories at the event. Woods' five Masters wins (1997, 2001, 2002, 2005, 2019) remain a focal point as golf fans compare past champions to this year's contenders.
Woods' 1997 breakthrough win at age 21 marked the tournament's largest margin of victory (12 strokes) and began his dominance. His 2019 comeback victory after multiple back surgeries and personal struggles stands as one of golf's greatest redemption stories.
The topic trends today as ESPN airs special retrospectives on Woods' Masters performances. Social media buzz includes viral clips of his iconic chip-in on the 16th hole in 2005 and his emotional hug with son Charlie after the 2019 win.
Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley acknowledged Woods' impact during Wednesday's press conference. "Tiger transformed how this course is played and how fans experience the Masters," Ridley told reporters. The club has installed new exhibits honoring Woods' achievements in the tournament's media center.
Current players like Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy have cited Woods' Masters performances as career inspiration. Woods himself isn't competing this year but is expected to attend as a spectator, according to PGA Tour officials.
Golf analysts note Woods' 1997 score of 270 (-18) still ranks among the tournament's best performances. His 2001 "Tiger Slam" - holding all four major titles simultaneously - began with his second Masters victory that year.
Merchandise sales at Augusta National this week show continued demand for Woods-related items. Tournament volunteers report his signature Sunday red shirts remain top sellers in the pro shop 21 years after his first win.
The Masters official app has seen a 37% increase in Woods highlight views this week compared to 2025. Tournament organizers added new augmented reality features allowing fans to view his famous shots at their original locations on the course.
Woods' influence extends beyond golf. Former President Barack Obama tweeted yesterday: "Watching Tiger dominate Augusta taught us all about excellence and resilience." The post has garnered over 150,000 likes since Wednesday evening.
As play begins today, CBS Sports will incorporate Woods' historical data into their new shot-tracing technology. Analyst Jim Nantz told The Athletic: "Tiger's shadow looms over every Masters, but especially this anniversary year."
