Thirty days after Rory McIlroy’s iconic Masters victory, the major championship spotlight has shifted to Quail Hollow, setting the stage for another thrilling showdown.

Anticipation is high, especially after World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler secured his first title of the season at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson.

His dominant wire-to-wire victory has reignited conversations about his Tiger-esque performance, fueling speculation about whether he can claim his first major outside of Augusta National.

But while Scheffler builds his legacy, Tiger Woods‘ absence looms large.

The 15-time major champion has been missing from competition, including the Masters and now the PGA Championship.

A ruptured Achilles that required emergency surgery has sidelined Woods, preventing him from competing in an event he once ruled.

The four-time PGA Championship winner, including back-to-back triumphs in 1999 and 2000, and then again in 2006 and 2007, has left a void in the tournament, with fans wondering when or if he will return.

Looking back at Tiger Woods’ PGA Championship wins

At just 23 years old, Woods captured his first PGA Championship title in 1999, battling against then-19-year-old Sergio Garcia in a dramatic showdown at Medinah Country Club.

Garcia, making his major debut, stunned the field by carding a 66 in the first round, while Woods posted a 70. However, Woods quickly seized control, scoring 67 in a rain-soaked second round, followed by a 68 to position himself for Sunday.

The final round remains one of the most unforgettable moments in golf history. Woods, paired with Mike Weir, faced relentless pressure from Garcia, who electrified the crowd with his fearless play.

Woods’ fourth birdie on the 11th hole extended his lead to five shots, seemingly putting the tournament out of reach—until Garcia delivered a jaw-dropping tee shot on the 13th hole, after Woods bogeyed the 12th.

Next came Garcia’s long birdie, whereas pressure mounted on Woods for his double bogey, cutting his lead to just one stroke.

The battle intensified as Garcia pulled off spectacular recovery shots from under and behind trees on the 15th and 16th holes, keeping the crowd on edge.

But Woods, known for his ability to dominate under pressure, held firm, ultimately securing the title by a single stroke.

2000: Tiger Woods ruled the PGA Championship again

Having already conquered the U.S. Open at Pebble Beach and The Open Championship at St. Andrews earlier that year, Tiger Woods arrived at Valhalla Golf Club in 2000, chasing yet another milestone.

In the year 2000, 24 Woods was teeing alongside the legendary Jack Nicklaus in his iconic yellow uniform.

In the first two rounds, Woods carded 66-67 while Nicklaus signed for 77-71.

Toward the end of the second round, Nicklaus turned to Woods and whispered, “Well, let’s finish it off the right way.”

60-year-old Nicklaus needed an eagle on the 18th hole to make the cut, but unfortunately failed to do so.

While Nicklaus was struggling, Woods was on a quest of his own—only this time, an unlikely contender stood in his way.

Bob May, a name few expected to challenge Woods. May fired 66 in the last three rounds, capping off his remarkable run with a 15-foot birdie on the 18th hole.

Woods, however, wasn’t ready to relinquish his crown.

With a do-or-die birdie, he drained a pressure-packed putt to force a three-hole playoff, setting the stage for one of golf’s most electrifying finishes.

Locked in a tense battle, Woods triumphed in the playoff, securing his second consecutive PGA Championship title.

Not only did he defend his crown, but he also set a tournament record of 18-under-par at just 24 years old. Xander Schauffele now owns that record after finishing 21-under last year en route to his first major title.

Yet, despite his victory, Woods remained humble. Reflecting on his epic duel with May, he acknowledged his opponent’s grit, saying, “Bob, hats off to Bob—he played his heart out.”

With this win, Woods didn’t just claim another trophy—he cemented his legacy as golf’s undisputed force.

The Big Cat then went back-to-back at the PGA Championship again in 2006 and 2007.

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