“First responders…used an axe to break through the windshield of the vehicle and a pry bar to remove the seating from around Woods’ legs,” said Sporting News of a gruesome accident in which Tiger Woods’ SUV rolled down an embankment on his way to a photo shoot in 2021, “Once they had removed Woods from the vehicle through the windshield, they placed him on a backboard and transported him to the trauma center via ambulance.”

Woods’ injuries were yet another setback in his well-known mission—to surpass golfer Jack Nicklaus’ record of 18 major championship wins—which has been a driving force in his career. As of now, Woods has won 15 major championships, leaving him with a goal of four more to surpass Nicklaus. In golf, unlike other individual sports such as tennis, there are few true head-to-head duels so records hold special significance.

Woods’ relentless pursuit of Nicklaus’ record captivated the golfing world for years. Woods’ early career was a whirlwind of dominance, leaving many to believe Nicklaus’ record was merely a matter of time. His powerful swing, exceptional short game, and mental fortitude set him apart, making him a near-unbeatable force. His victories at the Masters, US Open, British Open, and PGA Championship seemed almost routine, further solidifying his status as a golf legend. The sheer number of wins, coupled with his captivating personality, made him a global icon transcending the sport itself.

In recent years Woods has struggled with injuries including those from his 2021 car accident. However, his second-place finish at the Masters in 2022 after surgeries and rehab demonstrate his incredible resilience. Whether or not he breaks Nicklaus’ record, Woods’ most significant legacy will likely be the so-called “Tiger Effect”—the increase in golf viewership, sponsors, and prize money resulting from his popularity. As Sporting Intelligence has said, “Tiger effectively more than doubled the prize money for every other golfer, adding billions of dollars to fellow players’ pockets.”

For his part, Nicklaus views neither himself nor Woods as the GOAT, “[Bobby] Jones is the greatest golfer who ever lived and probably ever will live,” he said with tremendous modesty of the golfer he had sought to surpass during his own prime.