WATCH: Tiger Woods Casually Destroys His Opponent in Match Play

Published 03/28/2022, 12:46 PM EDT

Save for a few events in a year or two, the PGA Tour follows a set format. The annual WGC Match Play event is played with a different kind of format and is a fun-filled weekend for those who choose to watch. Of course, some of the most iconic Match Play memories belong to none other than Tiger Woods.

One such iconic moment is from the 2006 WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship.

The highlight was Woods facing Stephen Ames, where Woods ends up defeating Ames in a dramatic fashion. Even today, fans recollect the round on social media, eager to speak of Woods’ prowess on the course.

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"I think he understands now."@TigerWoods' dominant 9&8 victory over Stephen Ames at the 2006 @DellMatchPlay was one for the record books.#TOURVault pic.twitter.com/eN1H3Mawm7
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) March 25, 2021

Tiger Woods beats Stephen Ames at WGC Match Play in 2006

As per reports, Ames started the encounter by making a comment about Woods. Now, while no one knows if it was to irk Woods or not, it did seem to spark his competitive streak. Eventually, Woods beat Ames in a 9&8 encounter.

“Anything can happen, especially where he’s hitting the ball,” Ames said.

This probably hinted at Woods not starting off well.

The words probably stuck with Woods, who responded on the course itself. Looking back at the many WGC Match Play editions, Woods’ 2006 performance was some of the best the tournament has seen.

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Back then, it also set the record for the biggest victory yet. After all, Woods ended up winning in just 10 holes.

In the end, Woods was asked about his motivation and inspiration. “Oh yeah, there certainly was,” replied Woods. “Stephen provided it. So yeah, definitely. I think he understands now.”

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Did Woods win the WGC Match Play?

Interestingly, Woods did not win the 2006 edition. Geoff Ogilvy secured the title that year, beating Davis Love III in the process.

Ames, who has won four PGA Tour titles in his career, secured one of his wins that very year at the Players.

Woods – who is currently sidelined – last played the PNC Championship with his son. Unfortunately, even with The Masters 2022 approaching, there is no confirmation of Woods playing the major.

Do you think Woods will play at The Masters this year? Let us know in the comments below.

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Written by:

Devika Pawar is a Golf and NBA writer at Essentially Sports. A psychology graduate from KJ Somaiya, Devika has an experience with sportswriting at Republic World for around two years now. She loves NBA a little too much, and is a dedicated Golden State Warriors fan.

Edited by:

Deepika Bhaduri

WATCH: Tiger Woods Casually Destroys His Opponent in Match Play

Tiger Woods beats Stephen Ames at WGC Match Play in 2006

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Did Woods win the WGC Match Play?