CALCUTTA (India): Golf legend Jack Nicklaus and others praised Tiger Woods for his steely resolve after the latter secured a record 82nd US PGA Tour win at Zozo Championship in Inzai (Japan) on Monday.
“Incredibly happy for @TigerWoods — and for game of golf — on his 82nd @PGATOUR win,” tweeted Nicklaus, who has won 18 majors. “For a number of years, all we wanted was to see Tiger healthy again, but for his quality of life.”
Woods carded a final-round three-under 67 for a three-stroke victory over home favourite Hideki Matsuyama after play spilt over into Monday after Friday was washed out.
“It’s very obvious that the surgery and the hard work Tiger put in resulted in quality of golf!” Nicklaus added.
Woods tied Sam Snead’s all-time mark for PGA Tour wins had been one victory short of Snead since winning his 15th major at the US Masters in April.
The US star had not played for nine weeks after his left knee surgery in August.
World number 14 Tony Finau, who was also in the field in Japan, called Woods a “Living legend!” on Twitter. “Congrats on No. 82 @TigerWoods!” he added as social media lit up on the news of yet another career comeback milestone.
World number two Rory McIlroy, who tied third, said he’d quickly done the maths and said he would have to win “six times a year for the next 10 years” to get close to Woods.
