“It gave him a rallying cry” - Alan Shipnuck talks about Tiger Woods’ ‘purpose’ to make a comeback to golf in his latest book

Renowned golf journalist Alan Shipnuck claims that the emergence of LIV Golf gave Tiger Woods a purpose to make a comeback on the PGA Tour after a horrible accident in 2021.

Tiger Woods struggled with injuries in the latter half of his career, but the one in 2021 was arguably the worst, as his car met with an accident in Los Angeles, damaging his right leg. It was so severe that his return seemed highly unlikely. However, he made a comeback to the PGA Tour in 2022 and played in three majors.

Shipnuck, who is ready with his new book, 'LIV and Let Die,' said that the 15-time major champion was able to return to action so quickly due to the emergence of the Saudi-backed circuit. For those unfamiliar, the breakaway league kicked off last year after luring several big names from the PGA Tour.

Shipnuck was quoted as saying, via CNN Sport:

"This battle for the soul of professional golf gave Tiger a purpose. It gave him a rallying cry. He was this galvanizing figure for the PGA Tour, fighting for its legacy."

Shipnuck added that when many big players were being lured into the upstart league due to the high salaries, Woods entered to take a stand for the sport's heritage as the elder statesman of the game.

Shipnuck added that the 82-time winner on the PGA Tour had always been an introvert, and many youngsters on the tour didn't even know him, given that he had stayed out of action for quite a long time.

However, it all started to change last August, when he led an impromptu players-only meeting regarding the LIV Golf threat. Shipnuck added:

"I really think it’s been a crucial part of Tiger’s road back from that accident to have more human connection and to feel the love and the warm embrace of his colleagues. I don’t think you can overstate how important this has been for Tiger."

"We may ultimately have to thank LIV Golf for giving us a new, improved, and more engaged Tiger Woods!"

Shipnuck’s LIV and Let Die focuses on the emergence of the PIF-sponsored league and the various important factors that led to its formation. The book was released on October 17 this year.

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When did Tiger Woods win his last major?

The 47-year-old golfer is one of the greatest golfers of all time and has amassed 82 titles on the PGA Tour. He has won 15 major championships in his career, which is the second-highest total in the history of golf. His fifteen major wins include five Masters, four PGA Championships, three US Opens, and three Open Championships.

Tiger Woods' last major win came in 2019 when he claimed his fifth Masters Tournament title. He defeated Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka, and Xander Schauffele by one stroke to secure his first major victory in eleven years.

A few months later, he won the Zozo Championship, defeating Hideki Matsuyama by three strokes. Since then, he has not claimed another title on the PGA Tour.