Tiger Woods turns 45: What is left in the G.O.A.T’s tank?

In case you haven’t seen, one of the greatest to ever play the game of golf turns 45 today, so the happiest of birthday wishes goes out to Tiger Woods.

Tiger Woods has been dominant for nearly 25 years now in the world of golf. Luckily for me, and anyone else at least in their 30s, we have been able to see his meteoric rise (and fall) throughout his amazing career.

It was all the way back in 1997 (may not seem that long ago, but he was just 21), that Tiger Woods won his first major at the Masters. Last year we saw him do it again, and incredible 22 years apart. It’s not often, in any sport, that you can see someone win a championship, and then they have a period of time longer than their original age and win another championship.

Now, Tiger is 45 though. The list of players who have won a major at his age is pretty short. Jack Nicklaus was 46 years and two months when he won the Masters for the last time in 86. Old Tom Morris was 46 years and three months when he won the British Open in 67… 1867, that is. The oldest major winner in history is Julius Boros, who won the PGA Championship in 1968 at 48 years and four months.

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Athletes (Yes, golfers are athletes, it’s not even an argument to be had) are a different sort nowadays. We see players playing longer into their prime than ever before, at least on a more regular basis. I doubt we will see a Jamie Moyer, Jesse Orosco or Julio Franco, or even Kareem, but players stay relevant longer due to the focus they put on their bodies.

There are very few in golf history that has put as much into their bodies as Tiger Woods. At least for someone to have reached the age he is at, and still be able to compete. With Tiger, as long as his back can hold up, he is going to be able to stay on the PGA Tour and compete for another decade.

It’s crazy to think about, but it’s a realistic statement to make. We may not see him play as often, especially with how much he cares about being a great father. There have been fewer athletes more competitive than Tiger in any sport though, so Jack’s number of 18, which is still three away from being tied by Tiger, is likely at the front of his mind and goals for the remainder of his career.

If Tiger can stay healthy (a more sizeable ask each and every year), he will likely still have 40-60 majors to play in. Tom Watson took second at the Open Championship at age 60. Fred Couples took 6th at the Masters when he was 60 as well. Would it really surprise you to see Tiger make some crazy run at a major in 12-15 years? It wouldn’t to me.

Tiger Woods is 45, and ever so slowly be walking the back nine of his career. I think he’s only on the 12th hole though and has plenty of great golf left. Happy Birthday to Tiger Woods, wishing you another great year of health and golf.