The format for the FedEx Cup Playoffs has changed a lot over the years. The most recent format change happened in 2023. While Rory McIlroy boasts the highest number of wins (3) at the prestigious event, Tiger Woods follows him with just one less win (2). Unfortunately, he has not been able to experience the newest format so far since it has been four long years since Mr. T teed off in the tournaments.
Since his near-fatal car accident, he has only been able to appear at very limited events, and of course, not to forget that age is already playing its foulness. He last appeared at the 2020 BMW Championship, where he tied for the 51st position, missing the Tour Championship. Nevertheless, he has made several key memories at the final event of the FedEx Cup Playoffs.
Tiger Woods marked a victory at the inaugural edition of the Playoffs
The men’s professional golf had a playoff system introduced in 2007. Who else would have won it other than one of the best golfers in the world? Tiger Woods skipped the first playoff event but won the 2007 BMW Championship, the second one of the trio. He then opened the Tour Championship with a not-so-great appearance, scoring a 71 in the first round. However, he shone like a diamond on the second day, scoring a 62, which was the best score in the tournament that year. After 72 holes, he bagged an 8-under score, defeating Woody Austin by two strokes and winning the inaugural trophy.
In 2009, once again Tiger Woods won the BMW Championship before entering the East Lake. He defeated Jim Furyk and Marc Leishman by a whopping eight strokes. However, at the Tour Championship, Phil Mickelson, Tiger Woods’ greatest rival, shot a 5-under 65 and grabbed a three-stroke victory over Woods. However, he might have won the trophy, but it was Tiger Woods who still clinched the top position of the FedEx Cup standings. And well, he grabbed yet another victory in the Playoffs.
Woods’ comeback in 2018
Tiger Woods made a strong comeback in 2018. He grabbed six top-10 victories, which had two runner-ups to the Tour Championship. He had not won the title for the last five years, and 2018 looked like a year for his comeback. He began the opening round with an impressive 65. He pretty much maintained his lead overnight and finally carded a 71 teeing off with Rory McIlroy. “It’s certainly up there with all the major championships I’ve won, players, World Golf Championships. But this is under different circumstances,” Woods said after grabbing the win. His comeback came as a celebration for the entire golf world, as he was given a standing ovation by the entire gallery while he walked out of the course!
Well, this was the last time he ever made it to the Tour Championship. Despite not being able to make it to the FedEx Cup Playoffs at all, Woods is still hopeful that he surely will get to relive the moment! What are your thoughts about the journey of Tiger Woods? Let us know in the comments section below!