TIGER Woods struck a major blow for black golfers by capturing the coveted US Masters title here at Augusta National yesterday.
A stunning performance from the 21 year old had his management team pushing him as a racial pioneer in the mould of fighter Muhammad Ali and Wimbledon tennis champion Arthur Ashe.
The son of a black American father and a Thai mother, he won by a record 12 strokes from American veteran Tom Rite. His aggregate of 270 was also a record, beating the record set by Jack Nicklaus in 1965. All this will greatly enhance his endorsement value, which stands at $60 million.
His father and mentor, Earl, a retired US army lieutenant, made a surprise appearance at the 18th green to embrace his son. Having undergone heart by pass surgery six weeks ago, he had earlier stayed away on medical advice. The champion's mother, Kultida, was also present as tears flowed freely. She had walked among the crowds for the entire 72 holes.
Augusta National, where the Masters was inaugurated in 1934, has long been viewed as a bastion of southern white supremacy. Only six years ago its first black member was admitted.
Woods gave the credit to other black golfers who had played Augusta National before him. "They were the pioneers," he said. "Without Lee Elder, Charlie Sifford and Terry Rhodes, I might" not have been able to play the game."
Elder, the first black player to compete in the Masters in 1975, was a guest of the club chairman, Jackson Stephens yesterday. " so proud, my chest is stuck way out," he said. "I'm so happy to see something of this nature come about. He's the bridge to the future and the past. He's the bridge to the past for me and the bridge to the future for himself."
Haikd as potentially the world's finest golfer since the emergence of Nicklaus more than 35 years ago, Woods surpassed Seve Ballesteros as the youngest winner of this coveted title and $450,000.
Tall (6ft 2ins), slim and athletic, Woods seemed oblivious to the attention, which was hardly surprising, as he made his first TV appearance as a two year old. From that his father set about moulding him as a prospective golf champion.
Now, Tiger has delivered in the most thrilling manner imaginable.