Tiger Woods’ Historic 2019 Zozo Championship Win Remembered as PGA Tour Stars Reflect on His Legacy

Tiger Woods‘ record-equalling 82nd PGA Tour title at the 2019 Zozo Championship in Japan continues to be a significant milestone in golf history. As the PGA Tour players compete in this week’s Zozo Championship, they are reflecting on Woods’ impressive comeback and victory five years ago.

Woods’ win at the Accordia Golf Narashino Country Club marked his first competitive event after knee surgery and only his 18th competitive round since his victory at The Masters earlier that year. Despite a challenging start with three consecutive bogeys, Woods rebounded strongly to secure a three-stroke victory, equaling Sam Snead‘s record for the most PGA Tour wins.

The 2019 Zozo Championship was also notable for being the first official PGA Tour event held in Japan, attracting large crowds and significant attention. Players like Collin Morikawa and Xander Schauffele recalled the immense fan support and the electric atmosphere during the tournament. Morikawa described the fans lining the range and the first hole as unprecedented, while Schauffele highlighted the big names and the massive crowd that followed Woods throughout the event.

Woods’ current status is a topic of discussion among golf enthusiasts, as he continues to recover from recent injuries, including a career-threatening car crash in 2021 and recent back surgery. Since the crash, Woods has made only 11 competitive starts, missing the cut in three of the four majors in 2024. There is no clear timeline for his return to competitive golf, leaving his future in the sport uncertain.

Despite the uncertainty, Woods’ legacy and impact on the sport remain undeniable. Justin Thomas noted that Woods’ historic win at the Zozo Championship brought significant energy and recognition to the tournament, a sentiment echoed by other players who appreciate the enduring influence of the 15-time major champion.