2018 in review: Tiger Woods roars back as ‘Moliwood’ leads Europe to Ryder Cup glory in dramatic year for golf
- Former world number one claims his first triumph since 2013 at the Tour Championship
- Francesco Molinari and Tommy Fleetwood are the star pairing for Europe against the US
Tiger Woods snatched plenty of golfing headlines in 2018 with his remarkable comeback after years in the wilderness and will now be eyeing a 15th major title, while British Open champion Francesco Molinari inspired Europe to a Ryder Cup thrashing of the United States in Paris.
It was an eventful year for golf fans, with Woods’ return adding a sub-plot to the bigger tournaments, even as many of the younger generation confirmed their respective rises to the top of the game.
Justin Thomas’ spectacular eagle on the final hole at the WGC Mexico Championship kicked off the season in style, and although the 25-year-old lost out to veteran Phil Mickelson that day in a play-off, three major titles went to Americans under the age of 30.
Woods, who claimed his first tournament victory since 2013 in front of raucous galleries at the Tour Championship, ended his year with four straight Ryder Cup losses and a defeat by Mickelson in their overly hyped and ultimately low-quality US$9 million match in Las Vegas.
But nothing can take away from the impact the 14-time major winner made on his return after over four years spent battling injuries.