Tiger Woods Recalls the Emotional And Arduous Struggles to Conquer the 2006 Open Championship

Tiger Woods’ last Open Championship victory came back in 2006 under an array of emotions. The 15-time Major championship winner broke down after putting at the 18th green, shedding tears of happiness on the shoulders of caddie, Steve Williams and wife, Elin Nordegren. Years after that heart-warming Sunday afternoon, Woods recalled his famous victory, while remembering every detail of the event.

Tiger Woods’ arduous journey to the Open Championship

For once, Woods didn’t receive a hug from his father after a victory. His father and first coach, Earl Woods, passed away a couple of months before the Open Championship began. “I pressed pretty hard at Augusta that year trying to win it because it was the last time my dad was ever going to see me play a Major Championship,” he said.

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After his father’s demise, Woods started focusing on life outside golf. He was adamant about joining the Navy SEALS, even running a few drills with them. Eventually, he came back to the sport but didn’t have the most memorable return at the next major, the 2006 US Open.

“I didn’t play well at the US Open – I missed the cut miserably,” Tiger said. It seemed like Woods was past his prime without the support of his dearest fan, but the Gods had something else in store.

Woods’ victory at the 2006 Open Championship

Tiger practiced a notch higher in order to prepare for the ordeal at the Royal Liverpool Golf Club at Hoylake, host to the year’s Open Championship. Woods entered the tournament as the defending champion and indeed played like one. He stormed into the lead on day two and fought off close challenges to clinch his third Claret Jug with a score of 18 under-par.

“It was a very emotional week. I was going through a pretty tough time in my life and people were very supportive. They were fantastic,” Woods later said. “I really felt my dad was with me on that one round. It was like having a 15th club. I felt that type of peace when I was out there.”

The victory at Hoylake was the start of another blistering streak by Woods, during which he won another major in the form of the PGA Championship held at Medinah Country Club in Illinois. As Tiger stated years after, a lot has changed since – the shoulder he shed tears on is no longer by his side, nor is his wife. Long-time fans might also see a completely new swing technique, while a few close-observants will notice a slight discomfort due to a surgically repaired leg.

However, the only thing that has remained unchanged is Woods’ count of replica Claret Jugs at home. As Tiger moves ever swiftly towards a half-century, the oldest championship in history awaits a final triumph.

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