At a Glance
- Tiger Woods celebrates his 50th birthday on Dec. 30
- Legends share unforgettable shots from decades of play
- Memories spotlight Woods’ precision and calm on the green
- Why it matters: Fans and future golfers see the legacy that shaped the sport
As Tiger Woods turns 50, former competitors reflect on moments that defined his career. From hybrid shots on the fairway to flawless chips, these memories celebrate the maestro’s influence on golf.
Iconic Moments From the Course
- Nick Price (2005 Match Play Championship, La Costa Resort)
Nick Price said:
> “He’s in grass I promise you is this deep … The ball came out like it was in the fairway … The guy was never in trouble.”
- Stewart Cink (1998 BellSouth Classic, TPC Sugarloaf)
Stewart Cink said:
> “I was in the last group with him … Tiger hits 2-iron straight up in the air … It was like the same shape as a 7-iron for me … I was like, ‘OK, he just hit his 2-iron as far as I hit my 3-wood’.”
- Padraig Harrington (2009 WGC-Bridgestone Invitational, Firestone)
Padraig Harrington said:
> “I would think the shot he hit into Bridgestone on the 16th as one of the greatest shots I’ve ever seen … It was the only shot that really went deeply … I didn’t realize I should have dropped it where I was. It panicked me.”
- Matt Kuchar (1998 Masters, opening hole)
Matt Kuchar said:
> “I could not have been more nervous ever in my life … He hit the most amazing chip … It had more spin than I’ve ever seen on a short chip. That thing was a foot from the hole when it finished.”
- Tom Lehman (2007 Memorial, Muirfield Village)
Tom Lehman said:
> “The 17th hole got redone … He hits this shot way up in the air … It was coming down like a parachute, lands by the cup and bounces 2 feet and stops. I figure he must have hit a 7-iron.”
- Jim Furyk (2005 Presidents Cup, Robert Trent Jones Golf Club)
Jim Furyk said:
> “We were paired together … He took 6-iron and hit this high cut against a little breeze … I just laughed. I couldn’t hit that shot.”
| Tournament | Year | Player | Shot Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Match Play Championship | 2005 | Nick Price | Hybrid 230 yards to flag |
| BellSouth Classic | 1998 | Stewart Cink | 2-iron straight up |
| WGC-Bridgestone Invitational | 2009 | Padraig Harrington | 8-iron into bunker |
| Masters | 1998 | Matt Kuchar | One-hopped chip |
| Memorial | 2007 | Tom Lehman | 5-iron high shot |
| Presidents Cup | 2005 | Jim Furyk | 6-iron high cut |
These stories underscore the precision and composure that made Tiger Woods a legend on the links.
Key Takeaways
- Tiger Woods’ 50th birthday prompts reflection on his game-changing shots.
- Legends recall moments that show Woods’ versatility and composure.
- These memories highlight why Woods remains a benchmark for golf excellence.
As the sport looks to the future, these stories remind us why Tiger Woods‘ legacy continues to inspire players and fans alike.
