By Rahul Banerji
Let’s make it a Red and Black day for Tiger Woods was the theme around the world on Sunday, and golfers turned out in vast numbers to hours the man who has made golf what it is today.
From the WGC Workday Championship and the Puerto Rico Open on the PGA Tour, to the Gainbridge LPGA tournament in Orlando and courses cross the globe, the golf world sent a get-well-soon message to Woods.
Tiger was severely injured in a car crash last Tuesday morning in Los Angeles and has had to have extensive orthopaedic surgery for fractured legs and a crushed ankle.
The 15-time Major winner and global icon was touched.
Appreciative
“It is hard to explain how touching today was when I turned on the tv and saw all the red shirts,” Tiger tweeted in appreciation on Sunday.
“To every golfer and every fan, you are truly helping me get through this tough time.”
Rory McIlroy said he wore red and black on Sunday for the first time ever. Women’s golf legend Annika Sorenstam, playing her first full event in 13 years, matched a black skirt with a red tee.
Even Tiger’s great rival, Phil Mickelson, marked the occasion. “I had to buy a red shirt,” he tweeted.
Tiger was shifted to the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles on Wednesday after his initial treatment at the Harbour-UCLA Medical Centre.
“Tiger has moved to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and received follow-up procedures on his injuries this morning,” a statement on his twitter account said.
“The procedures were successful, and he is now recovering and in good spirits
“Tiger and his family want to thank you all for the wonderful support and messages they have received over the past few days.
“We will not have any further updates at this time. Thank you for your continued privacy.”
Significant damage
Earlier, Dr Anish Mahajan chief medical officer & interim CEO at the -UCLA facility said, “Mr. Woods suffered significant orthopedic injuries to his right lower extremity that were treated during emergency surgery by Orthopedic trauma specialists.
“Comminuted open fractures affecting both the upper and lower portions of the tibia and fibula bones were stabilised by inserting a rod into the tibia.
“Additional injuries to the bones of the foot and ankle was stabilised with a combination of screws and pins.
“Trauma to the muscle and soft tissue of the leg required surgical release of the covering of the muscles to relieve pressure due to swelling.”
Probably the finest tribute came from World Golf Championship winner Collin Morikawa. “Sometimes I don’t think we say thank you enough.
“So I want to say thank you to Tiger Woods. He means everything to me/”
Also read: Tiger survives horror crash; treated for leg fractures, crushed ankle
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