Cue up the “Tiger Woods is back” conversations! On the 16th hole at the 2012 Memorial Tournament, Tiger Woods made an absolutely amazing shot to tie Rory Sabbatini for the lead at 8-under par on Sunday. The stunning 50-foot chip shot for birdie had the term “Vintage Tiger” trending on Twitter in no time. And, in true vintage fashion, Tiger celebrated the shot with a fierce fist pump.
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen a better one. That was the most unbelievable, gutsy shot that I’ve ever seen,” raved golf legend Jack Nicklaus, who founded the tournament, after Jim Nantz of CBS asked if anyone had hit a better shot at the Memorial. “It was really, really unbelievable, particularly because of the position he was in. He hits it short the tournament is over. He hits it long the tournament is over. He put it in the hole. Unbelievable.”
After making this stunning shot, Woods went on to putt for par on 17 and then birdie the 18th hole as Sabbatini faltered down the stretch. Woods finished the final round at the Memorial at 5-under 67 and celebrated his fifth win at the tournament with a handshake from Nicklaus, who was waiting near the 18th green. With this win, Woods ties Nicklaus with 73 career PGA Tour wins. They now share second place on the all-time list, trailing Sam Snead (82).
