Tiger Woods Has Conquered Distractions to Complete Comeback to Top

The distractions seem endless, but Tiger Woods has finally overcome them to regain his position as the king of the golf world.

A penalty for an improper drop, accusations and apparent racial remarks by Sergio Garcia and the public’s never-ending love affair with Woods’ love affairs have drawn attention away from his meteoric rise this season (h/t Huffington Post).

Despite the perpetuity of the distractions surrounding him, one thing is certain; Woods is finally back on top of the men’s golf totem pole—where he belongs.

Love him or hate him, his undeniable mastery of greens and fairways alike is as awe-inspiring as it is breathtaking. Whether you’re rooting for him or against him, you’re undoubtedly captivated by the excellence he displays in his craft.

We will only witness a few athletes in our lifetime who ascend to the level of greatness that Woods has achieved. These athletes are inspiring, almost as much as the comeback that the 37-year-old is in the midst of completing.

As of May 28, Woods is the No. 1 golfer in the world and has won three of the last four tournaments he has competed in. With the U.S. Open looming, the potential for a summer spectacle is brewing.

If Woods wins at Merion he would complete his journey. The world would be witness to one of the best comebacks in modern history.

It wasn’t a physical injury—although he did have a couple along the way—that was keeping the aging Woods from playing at a high level. It was the mental aspect that impeded his return to greatness. The merits of mental disarray cannot be discounted.

Mental health is just as paramount for athletes as maintaining a top physical condition. Neither can function at top flight without the other. That’s what makes this resurgence so incredible.

Woods has been through it all, and then some. His messy divorce and adversity-rich comeback attempt were enough to cripple anyone, and we saw it weigh on him as he quietly crept back to the top.

He has overcome those previous distractions, though, to become everything we have come accustomed to associate with the golfer.

At the end of the day we’re all capable of falling from grace. Through perseverance and determination, Woods teaches us all the best lesson of all: anything is possible.

This comeback is great for Woods, the sport and all fans who enjoy witnessing the greatness he exudes.