Tiger Woods’ Match Play mauling of Stephen Ames that will live on forever

In the annals of golf history, one particular showdown at the WGC-Dell Match Play in 2006 stands out vividly, etched as a stark reminder of the consequences of underestimating the prowess of Tiger Woods.

Seventeen years may have passed since that fateful encounter, yet the memories refuse to fade, serving as a testament to Woods’ unrivaled dominance on the course.

It was a clash that had been simmering with anticipation, pitting Woods against his opponent, Stephen Ames, in the first round of the tournament. However, the prelude to the match was marked by a startling statement from Ames, who brazenly remarked, “anything can happen, especially where he’s hitting the ball,” in reference to Woods.

The stage was set, the tension palpable as the two golfing titans prepared to face off. Woods, fresh off a victory at the Buick Invitational, exuded confidence, undeterred by Ames’ audacious words.

What followed was a masterclass in precision and dominance from Woods. With seven birdies in the first nine holes, he surged to a commanding lead of 9 up at the turn, leaving Ames reeling in his wake.

When questioned about his performance post-match, Woods offered a succinct response: “9&8,” encapsulating the magnitude of his victory in a single scoreline.

Don’t tease the Tiger… 😳 pic.twitter.com/NMrzE7BzQE

— National Club Golfer (@NCG_com) March 20, 2023

Reflecting on the match in later years, Woods revealed his inner fire, admitting that he was determined to assert his superiority on the greens. He lamented a missed opportunity on the 10th hole, which would have upgraded the victory to an even more crushing 10&8.

Despite his eventual defeat by Chad Campbell in the third round, Woods’ triumph over Ames remains unparalleled in the annals of the event, securing him the record for the largest margin of victory.

Ironically, the defeat served as a catalyst for Ames’ resurgence. Just three tournaments later, the Canadian silenced his critics by clinching the Players Championship with a resounding six-shot victory, underscoring his resilience and talent on the course.

The lesson learned from that unforgettable encounter was clear: never underestimate the resolve of Tiger Woods, for to do so is to invite a devastating defeat of unparalleled proportions.