While The Masters has always been the crown jewel of the U.S. golf season, this year’s tournament at Augusta National may draw even more attention than usual.
That’s because Tiger Woods is part of the roster for the first time since 2014. And what’s more -- some say he has a shot at winning!
“[This] would be the all-time greatest individual athlete comeback,” said Charles Curtis, writer at “For The Win.” “Think about where Tiger’s been. He was at the top of the world for so long as one of maybe the greatest golfers to ever play the game.”
Then came the fall from grace. His personal life was splashed across the tabloids and he had several surgeries for injuries to his knee and back that pulled him out of the game for years.
Now, he has the opportunity to claw his way out of the depths.
“For him to...come back from all that would be, I think, even better than what Lance Armstrong did,” said Curtis.
Woods got through four rounds at a tournament in December pain-free. Curtis said that’s a major accomplishment for someone who said, “couldn’t get out of bed some days.”
The former world #1 has also been making headway at other events, including the Valspar Championship where he finished second.
“Even though his swing’s a little bit different than it was during his prime, he looks like somebody who could win a golf tournament.”
Woods’ return is so eagerly watched that in the past few weeks, Curtis says, golf tournaments have garnered more interest.
The Masters kicks off Thursday and goes on through Sunday.
For the full interview, [click here](https://cheddar.com/videos/tiger-woods-roars-back).
U.S. Figure Skating Hall of Famer and former Olympian Nancy Kerrigan spoke to Cheddar News about joining Ice Dreams, a national skating tour that connects legends of the sport with its next generation. Kerrigan spoke of the lessons she learned from the sport and how grateful she is for the opportunity to give something back. “I mean skating has taught me some of the greatest things in in my life," she said. "You know, you fall down, things get hard, but you get back up and you keep on trying. And if you're performing and doing something you love, I think you would actually do even better.”
Stephen Smith, Founder and CEO of Kitman Labs, joins Cheddar News' Closing Bell, where he explains how his company's intelligence platform is engineering change in how athletes and sports teams prepare for games.
Sportswear giant Adidas is giving student-athletes the opportunity to become partners as affiliate brand ambassadors to help grow their networks as professional athletes. Attorney Darren Heitner, the founder of Heitner Legal, joined Cheddar News to talk about the legalities of the process. "It is absolutely a game-changer because we see a major brand make a big splash, nine months into name image and likeness rights for college athletes," he said. "While it is a paid brand affiliate type of partnership, it will open the door for 50,000-plus athletes across the country to start making some money, even if it's just through other people clicking their links and making purchases."
State and county taxpayers will be asked to commit a record $850 million in public funds toward construction of the Buffalo Bills’ new stadium as part of a 30-year lease agreement.
Saint Peter's University - a small school in New Jersey school - has skyrocketed to the center of the sports world in a 'Cinderella' story for the record books. The ultimate underdog of the men's March Madness tournament is just the third 15-seed to reach the Sweet 16, after beating Murray State and college basketball powerhouse Kentucky. Throughout the university's historic run, Saint Pete's has reportedly been earning what amounts to millions of dollars in publicity. Amanda Christovich, reporter for Front Office Sports, joins Cheddar News' Closing Bell to discuss.
ESPN College Gameday LaPhonso Ellis joins Cheddar Bets to break down the NCAA Tournament so far, and who will make noise all the way down to New Orleans.
Sponsored by BetMGM
BetMGM Host Olivia Harlan Dekker joins Cheddar Bets to talk about lessons learned from this year's NCAA Tournament and to share which teams have the best value going forward.
Sponsored by BetMGM
Emmanuel Acho joined Cheddar News to talk about his new book "Illogical: Saying Yes to a Life Without Limits." The former NFL player, current broadcaster, and host is on a mission to help people see beyond the goals that they have set for themselves. “People say 'what is being illogical?'" he said. "To me, it's believing it is so even when it's not so — so that it can be so."
