Did you ever doubt Tiger would be back to No 1?

Did you ever doubt Tiger would be back to No 1?

Only a few miles away from where he crashed his Cadillac Escalade SUV into a tree, after hitting a fire hydrant, leaving water spewing in the air and what most thought was his career in tatters. Tiger Woods claimed an eighth Arnold Palmer invitational win. In doing so, at 37 he once again became the No 1 golfer in the world.

Now, I am not Golf’s biggest fan and I don’t profess to watch it on a regular basis or know a considerable amount. But what I do know is talent, ability, determination, heart and fight when I see it.

Before Tiger’s infamous car crash incident and well documented infidelities, he was the icon that transcended the game to another level with his skill and ability on the Golf course.

Winning tournaments, claiming individual accolades, breaking records, astronomical prize monies and adoring fans all became a normal thing for Tiger Woods.

So much so that his downfall was probably inevitable. What was not inevitable, regardless of his obvious and previous abilities, was the way he clawed his way back to the top of the tree.

Two years after reaching rock bottom in his personal life, as he began to rebuild, he more or less hit rock bottom in his professional life. Falling to an embarrassing 58th place in the world in November 2011.

Not only did he have professional and personal setbacks to deal with but he was also nursing ongoing injuries. He missed two majors and most of the summer in 2011 because of injury. I remember when he had to walk off the course in the middle of a tournament due to a tight tendon.

But In 2012, after some early setbacks and revising his putting technique.

Tiger regained some form and began the arduous journey of climbing back to that No1 spot.

His first win on the PGA Tour since 2009, ironically came in the 2012 Arnold Palmer invitational. After another injury, he went on to win two more tournaments in 2012 and now a further three in three months this year to reach the No 1 spot again.

I never doubted him, even though the experts did.

I could see Tiger had that unique quality of a real and unrivaled love for the game, combined with a need and a hunger to win, it almost boarders on obsession. As simple as it sounds, it is rare in sport. Darts has Phil “the power” Taylor. Motor Sport had Michael Schumacher. Boxing had Mohammed Ali. There are a few more out there.

It’s a rare quality you mostly only find in sportsman of lone sports. That belief in yourself when everyone else doubts you. Having the ability to time and time again rely on yourself to pull it out the bag and succeed.

I feel there is also a big factor behind his tremendous rise back to the top. His rivalry and friendship with former No 1 Rory McIlroy. The success of Rory and the fact he has been so close, friendly and relaxed with Rory, has helped to regain his fun and motivation and has brought that real competitiveness back to Tiger.

In the record books, Tiger has won 14 majors (second all time behind Jack Nicklaus 18) and has 77 PGA Tour wins (second all time behind Sam Snead 82).

Now he has his “mojo” back, the opportunity to top the list in both categories will wet his appetite and I’m sure will maintain his obsession with the sport. As disheartening as it is for other golfer’s, it can only be good for the fans and the game.

I for one will not doubt him getting very close to achieving both of these targets, and will be rooting for him all the way to do it.

Because, as they say…..

Form is temporary, class is permanent!