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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Sport
Kieran Jackson

Tiger Woods wins The Masters: Donald Trump and Barack Obama react after golf's 'fantastic' comeback

Tiger Woods’ victory in Augusta drew acclaim from many famous faces, as the golfing great won his 15th major and his first since 2008 in claiming The Masters.

The 43-year-old overcame a two-shot deficit at the start of the final round to leapfrog overnight leader Francesco Molinari, who shot his worst round of the tournament: a two-over-par 74.

But where others failed to take advantage, Woods was solid throughout and played the back nine with the composure of a player who has already won four times at The Masters.

Despite a bogey on the 18th, Woods simply swept home the wining putt from 18-inches, and was greeted by his son, daughter and mother as he left the final green. 

Here’s a pick of the reaction from celebrities around the world:

Presidential approval

President Donald Trump, a regular golfer himself, was watching the action throughout and paid tribute to Woods’ performance under pressure. 

Former Democrat presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton weren’t going to miss out and also reacted to Tiger’s historic victory on social media. 

Sporting response 

A champion’s tribute to another champion. Serena Williams, who has made a sensational comeback herself after giving birth in 2017 (though despite near-misses, she is yet to win a major since her pregnancy) posted a heartfelt message on Twitter.

American sporting greats LeBron James, Kobe Bryant and Tom Brady also saluted Woods. 

Closer to home, an emotional Gary Lineker praised Woods but couldn’t stop himself from describing the American’s Augusta victory as the second most thrilling sporting achievement he has seen. The best? You guessed it: Leicester City winning the Premier League in 2016.

Golfing world heaps praise on Tiger 

Tony Finau, who was in Woods’ group in the final round, was gracious in defeat, stating it was a week he would never forget. 

Fellow green jacket holder and long-term rival Phil Mickleson was also forthcoming in his praise, saying it was a “special day that will go down in history”. 

Tiger Woods took enormous pride in winning The Masters in front of his family (EPA)

Rory McIlroy, Ian Poulter and Luke Donald congratulated Woods online. McIlroy’s wait for a Masters win and a career grand slam goes on, while Poulter ran out of steam on the final day.

And golfing great Jack Nicklaus, who Woods only trails by three now in the standings for most major wins, managed to fly into Georgia just in time to congratulate Woods face-to-face. 

The man himself... and his sponsor

Nike posted a glorious tribute video to Woods in the wake of his Masters victory – it has been viewed more than 18 million times. 

But the final word has to go to Woods himself, who paid tribute to his family and friends for their support. 

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