Tiger Woods becomes instant meme but real reason for viral Masters photo was wholesome

Tiger Woods found himself at the center of a viral sensation during the Masters, but the true story behind the now-iconic photo is heartwarming. As Woods approached the 16th hole, retiring announcer Verne Lundquist sat nearby, a figure synonymous with some of Woods’ most memorable moments at Augusta. Lundquist, having called many of Woods’ triumphs, wanted a final close-up look at the golfing legend in action.

In the midst of Woods’ final round, a photo surfaced on social media, seemingly capturing Woods shaking hands with a large pine tree. This image sparked a flurry of memes, with fans quick to jest about the tree’s courage in meeting its hero. However, upon closer examination, it became evident that Woods was actually shaking hands with Lundquist, a gesture of gratitude toward the renowned broadcaster.

The photo encapsulated a poignant moment between two titans of their respective fields—a golfer with magic in his hands and a broadcaster with magic in his voice. Fans expressed admiration for the image, recognizing it as a symbol of the end of an era in both golf and sports broadcasting.

Lundquist, at 83 years old, had called numerous historic golf moments, including Woods’ famed chip in 2005 and Jack Nicklaus’ memorable putt in 1986. Woods himself acknowledged Lundquist’s unparalleled ability to captivate audiences with his poetic narration of the game’s greatest moments.

As Lundquist bid farewell to Augusta National after four decades, his legendary career left an indelible mark on the Masters and the world of sports broadcasting. In reflecting on his storied tenure, one can’t help but echo his famous question: “In your life, have you seen anything like that?” When it comes to Verne Lundquist, the answer is a resounding no.