Scottie Scheffler dominated the final round of the 2024 Masters, but you’d be hard-pressed to find a better moment from that Sunday than something that happened before the World No. 1 even teed off at Augusta National.
Of course, we’re talking about former World No. 1 Tiger Woods and Verne Lundquist having that touching interaction on the 16th hole. It was an appropriate spot considering it was there in 2005 when Woods pulled off arguably his most famous shot and Lundquist uttered his most famous call.
Anyway, as Woods walked to the 17th tee on Sunday, he stopped to shake hands and chat with the legendary CBS announcer who was doing his 40th and final Masters broadcast later that day. In case you happened to miss it, here’s a look:
So good. So what was said between the two? Lundquist joined TNT Sports’ Ernie Johnson and Charles Barkley on the latest episode of The Steam Room podcast to discuss.
“I ventured down to 16 and he was playing 14 at the time and he was having a horrible day. Five over and wound up dead last in the tournament,” Lundquist said. “But even though he was five over, he walked off the green at 16 and as he approached, I just said, ‘Tiger, thank you.’ He reached over and shook my hand and we chatted. In all candor, I can’t remember what we said, except I thanked him for the kind words that he had, and he said, ‘We’re gonna be tied at the hip forever’ because of that shot and because of what I said.”
We get it, Verne. Those things happen so quick it’s hard to remember what exactly was said. Also, you’re 83 so you get a pass. But Verne vividly remembered something else that happened moments later that will really stick with him.
“The thing I most treasure about it,” Lundquist continued. “He went over and teed off at 17, I was still standing under the tree. And as he walked down the 17th fairway, he just looked over and gave me a thumbs up. I will treasure that forever.”
Sometimes it’s the simple things that make the biggest impact. Like when Rory McIlroy tipped his cap at Tiger Woods at the 2022 British Open, causing the 15-time major champ to start crying.
But Lundvist fully believes that unlike himself, Woods will definitely be back to create more memories at the Masters.
“People say, ‘Do you think he’ll come back?’ Hell yes he’ll come back,” Lundquist added. “He’s not gonna let people remember that he was 60th in a field of 60.”
Good point, Verne. Thanks for sharing. And thanks for all the memories.
