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Major incomplete without a hug


Web posted 04/13/97


This Masters ended with a hug, too.

No, not one of sorrow and sympathy like Nick Faldo to Greg Norman last year. This time, the father, Earl Woods, hugged his son Tiger, the multi-record 1997 Masters champion, behind the 18th green.


``No major is complete until we hug,'' Earl said. ``We did it. I love you, and I'm so proud.''

The moment was so special that it highlighted a phone call from President Clinton after Woods' final-round 69.

``He said the best shot he saw all day was the shot of me hugging my dad,'' Tiger said of his brief talk with Clinton.

Who wasn't proud of the 21-year-old phenom. His marks set over four days at the Augusta National Golf Club are nearly endless: youngest Masters champion (age 21), record score (18-under), first minority winner, only second major winner in first try as a pro this century and biggest margin of victory (12).

In addition, he played devlish Amen Corner 7-under par over four days and was 22-under par for the final 54 holes.

``It's something I've always dreamed of,'' Woods said. ``I've always dreamed of playing the Masters and winning it, and I was able to do that.''

The dream is alive in others, too. Lee Elder, who broke the color barrier at the Masters in 1975, flew up from Pompano Beach, Fla., for the final round. Celebrities such as actor Jack Nicholson, tennis star Andre Agassi, Atlanta Hawks guard Mookie Blaylock and Nike chairman Phil Knight were spotted in the gallery. Minorites and kids around the nation were turned into this crowning of a new king.

``A lot of kids will start playing the game now, and that's pretty cool,'' Woods said.

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