Why the Zozo Championship Will Always Hold a Special Place in Tiger Woods’ Heart

Published 10/20/2021, 7:58 AM EDT

In April 2019, Tiger Woods agreed to play the Zozo Championship – the PGA Tour’s first event in Japan. Back then, the 45-year-old was excited to play in Japan, looking forward to some fun. Few expected Woods to come home victorious – securing his record-tying 82nd win at the first-ever Zozo Championship.

As mentioned, Woods’ performance was unexpected. Dealing with injuries beforehand, Woods’ time in Japan was only proof of his talent and dominance. With Woods sidelined this year, fans will surely miss the 15-time major winner at the Accordia Golf Narashino Country Club.

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Remembering Tiger Woods’ iconic win at the Zozo Championship in 2019

Woods’ PGA Tour 82nd PGA Tour win tied the all-time record with Sam Snead. It also made him the first playing captain on the US Presidents Cup team since Hale Irwin in 1994. Interestingly, it was the event’s first edition. He won by beating Hideki Matsuyama, earning a whopping $1.75 million. Woods playing at the event was a big deal, especially as he continued to play well.

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The Zozo Championship back then was also Woods’ first game back since arthroscopic knee surgery. The play was also extended due to rain.

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His journey at the event began with a bogey. However, Woods did not back down, making his comeback as the championship progressed. By the end of it, woods became the first player since 1983 to win an event on the tour after bogeying his first three back-to-back holes.

Tiger Woods is the first player since at least 1983 to win a PGA TOUR event after bogeying each of his first three holes. “Well, it’s a big number,” Woods said while talking about it. “It’s about consistency and doing it for a long period of time. … I’m very fortunate to have had the career I’ve had so far”.

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When Snead won his 82nd PGA Tour event, it was Greater Greensboro Open, at the Sedgefield Country Club. Snead won $11 thousand, which is around $99 thousand or more today.

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Woods remains sidelined while continuing to recover

While fans are eager to see him on the court, Woods’ one-car crash in February had him hospitalized and in pain. Return to golf was a distant dream. He was recently seen with his son on the golf course, walking without his crutches for the first time. That being said, fans are eagerly waiting for his comeback, rooting for their favorite icon.

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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.

Why the Zozo Championship Will Always Hold a Special Place in Tiger Woods’ Heart

Remembering Tiger Woods’ iconic win at the Zozo Championship in 2019

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Woods remains sidelined while continuing to recover