ATLANTA, GA - SEPTEMBER 23: Tiger Woods waves to the crowd after the final round of the Tour Championship on September 23, 2018, at East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by Michael Wade/Icon Sportswire) GOLF: SEP 23 PGA Golf Herren - TOUR Championship PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxHUNxRUSxSWExNORxDENxONLY Icon09231842
ATLANTA, GA - SEPTEMBER 23: Tiger Woods waves to the crowd after the final round of the Tour Championship on September 23, 2018, at East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by Michael Wade/Icon Sportswire) GOLF: SEP 23 PGA Golf Herren - TOUR Championship PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxHUNxRUSxSWExNORxDENxONLY Icon09231842
The Players Championship is marking the 25th anniversary of one of golf’s most remembered moments linked to 15-time major champion Tiger Woods.
The tribute comes even though Woods is not competing at this year’s event.
The moment dates back to the 2001 edition of the tournament at TPC Sawgrass. During the third round, Woods faced a long putt on the par-3 17th hole after his tee shot finished on the back collar of the island green.
The putt measured close to 60 feet and broke across the green. As the ball rolled toward the hole, NBC commentator Gary Koch delivered the line that later became part of golf history.
“Johnny, that’s better than most,” Koch said while the ball continued to track toward the cup.
LA JOLLA, CA - FEBRUARY 16: Tiger Woods looks on during the trophy ceremony following the final round of The Genesis Invitational 2025 at Torrey Pines Golf Course on February 16, 2025 in La Jolla, California. Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire GOLF: FEB 16 PGA, Golf Herren The Genesis Invitational EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon250216036
LA JOLLA, CA - FEBRUARY 16: Tiger Woods looks on during the trophy ceremony following the final round of The Genesis Invitational 2025 at Torrey Pines Golf Course on February 16, 2025 in La Jolla, California. Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire GOLF: FEB 16 PGA, Golf Herren The Genesis Invitational EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon250216036
Moments later, the ball dropped for a birdie. Koch repeated the call as Woods celebrated the putt that helped change the momentum of the round.
He later went on to win the tournament by one stroke, securing his first Players Championship title. To mark the anniversary, organizers introduced a two-part tribute during Saturday’s round this year.
Two-part tribute marks 25 years of Tiger Woods’ famous putt
First, the hole location on the 17th green was set in the same position used in 2001. The pin sits five paces from the front and five paces from the left, recreating the setup Woods faced that day.
A second tribute was placed out of sight. Inside the bottom of the cup on the island green, tournament officials engraved the words “Tiger Woods 2001” along with the phrase “Better Than Most,” referencing Koch’s call.
Players who retrieve their ball from the hole will be able to see the message, a small nod to the moment that remains one of the most replayed shots in the tournament’s history.
Although Woods is not present at this year’s event, the tribute ensures his 2001 moment remains part of the story at the Stadium Course.
Trending slideshow: 15 Memorable Quotes Of Tiger Woods to Live By
Arya Patil
15 Memorable Quotes Of Tiger Woods to Live ByFew athletes have ever embodied greatness like Tiger Woods. With 82 PGA Tour victories, 15 major championships, and more than 680 weeks as the world’s top-ranked golfer, he changed the game forever. From a record 12-stroke Masters win at just 21 to his emotional 2019 comeback, Tiger’s journey is as much about mindset as it is about skill. His quotes reveal how he approached success, setbacks, and life itself. So, what can we learn from one of the most dominant athletes in history? Let’s look at 15 Tiger Woods quotes that continue to inspire athletes and dreamers alike. AP PhotoFor Tiger, improvement was never optional; it was a way of life. Even after 110 professional wins across tours, he continued reworking his swing, fitness, and mental approach. When most golfers would rest on their laurels, he pushed harder, searching for that extra edge. That mindset led him to the 2019 Masters, where he secured his first major in 11 years. It was a comeback that reminded the world that true greatness never stops evolving. ImagoTiger’s career wasn’t without missteps, but his resilience defined him. From injuries that required four back surgeries to personal struggles that dominated headlines, he never stayed down for long. Instead, he focused on learning, adjusting, and moving forward. By 2013, he reclaimed his spot as the world’s No. 1 golfer, proving that redemption is built through self-awareness and action. His willingness to adapt became his greatest strength. IMAGO/Adam CairnsDespite his fame and global following, Tiger valued trust and loyalty over everything. His bond with his late father, Earl Woods, shaped his mental discipline, while a tight circle of mentors and coaches kept him grounded. In an individual sport like golf, this quote hits deeply, reminding us that success feels empty without genuine relationships. Even at his peak, Tiger never forgot the people who stood by him through the highs and lows. ImagoTiger might have been known for his fierce focus, but he always found room for humor. Whether trading jokes with his caddie or laughing off an errant shot, he knew balance was key. After his 2021 car crash, which left him with multiple leg fractures, his ability to stay positive carried even more weight. His laughter through pain showed fans that humility and humor are part of resilience. Golf, after all, is a game of patience, and perspective. Michael Wade/Icon Sportswire/ImagoThis quote could be the theme of Tiger’s entire career. He lived by it during every major comeback, from knee surgeries to his 2019 Masters win. When others counted him out, Tiger stayed focused on the process, not the noise. Patience turned his setbacks into history-making moments, and that steady determination separated him from every other golfer of his generation. It’s a lesson in perseverance, both on and off the course. Shijilesh Ulleri/APFew athletes have been dissected like Tiger Woods. From tabloid headlines to missed cuts, he faced more scrutiny than most could handle. Yet he learned to silence external criticism by protecting his own confidence. Instead of crumbling, he rebuilt. By 2013, he reclaimed the world’s No. 1 ranking for the 11th time. This mindset, a refusal to self-destruct, was key to surviving the pressures of fame and expectation. Gary W. Green Orlando Sentinel/ZUMA Press Wire/ImagoBeyond his dominance on the course, Tiger has always believed in using his platform for good. Through the Tiger Woods Foundation, he’s supported educational programs that have reached over two million students. His belief in “care and share” wasn’t just a saying; it was a mission. Raised by a father who taught him discipline and compassion, Tiger turned success into a tool for service. That legacy may outlast even his trophies. ImagoWhen Tiger said this, he wasn’t exaggerating. From 1999 to 2009, he won 64 PGA Tour titles, including seven majors in three years, a level of control rarely seen in any sport. He didn’t just play to win; he played to set new standards. His dominance forced rivals to elevate their games and changed how golfers trained physically and mentally. Even now, his competitive fire remains one of the most admired traits in sports. AP Photo/Elise AmendolaTiger’s evolution is proof that greatness is never final. He overhauled his swing three times throughout his career, not because he had to, but because he wanted to grow. Each reinvention brought new success, from his early 2000s reign to his 2019 resurgence. Named PGA Player of the Year 11 times, he showed that consistency comes from a lifelong commitment to self-improvement. For Tiger, the pursuit of better never ends. Mark Newcombe/ImagoTiger’s legendary work ethic is the stuff of lore. He practiced at dawn, studied his swing for hours, and hit balls until sunset. Even when the sport changed, new technology, younger players, and different courses, he adapted. His eight Byron Nelson Awards for lowest scoring average show just how precise his game became. For Tiger, time was never an excuse; it was a resource. Tim Dominick/ZUMA Press Wire/ImagoFrom knee injuries to public setbacks, Tiger’s grin never disappeared. He famously won the 2008 U.S. Open with a torn ACL and a double stress fracture, beating Rocco Mediate in a playoff that defined toughness. That same spirit carried him through his 2021 car accident recovery. Smiling through adversity wasn’t just a saying; it was his trademark attitude toward life. To Tiger, obstacles were just opportunities in disguise. ImagoBefore turning pro, Tiger studied economics at Stanford, and he’s always credited education for shaping his decision-making. This perspective gave him a competitive edge, both in business and in life. Beyond golf, he’s built a billion-dollar brand empire, from endorsements to course design. His respect for education is also reflected in his foundation’s mission to promote learning for underserved youth. Tiger’s intellect was just as sharp as his swing. Aflosport/ImagoTiger wasn’t just gifted; he was obsessed with mastery. From his childhood practice sessions on TV to his precision with every swing, he understood that success was built, not given. This belief fueled his countless hours of training and analysis. He honed his craft until it became instinctive, earning 18 World Golf Championships and redefining what dedication looked like in professional sports. Curtis Compton, Atlanta Journal /Newscom World/ImagoThis quote mirrors Tiger’s life perfectly. Each decision, whether to rebuild his swing, face surgery, or return to competition, shaped his identity. His career is a study in the consequences of choice, both good and bad. Yet, his willingness to own those moments made him stronger. It’s why fans still root for him, decades after his debut, because his story feels human, flawed, but fiercely determined. IMAGO/Steven FlynnThis quote became Tiger’s calling card and his truth. No matter the criticism or setbacks, his results spoke louder than words. With 82 PGA Tour wins, 15 majors, and 683 total weeks as world No. 1, he redefined what success looked like in golf. His career proved that preparation, discipline, and confidence ultimately silence doubt. When you win like Tiger, everything else fades into the background. IMAGO/Russell Lansford
