Tiger Woods' Comeback Is A Lot Of Things, But "Heroic"?

So it looks, more and more, like Tiger will be playing in next week's Masters. He played 18 holes at Augusta on Tuesday and is still listed as a participant for the tournament. Now I certainly would say his comeback from that car crash is impressive.

ROLLING HILLS ESTATES, CA - FEBRUARY 23: A sign for the Genesis Invitational golf tournament is seen on the door of the car that golf legend Tiger Woods was driving when seriously injured in a rollover accident on February 23, 2021 in Rolling Hills Estates, California. Rescuers used hydraulic rescue tools to extricate him from the car where he reportedly sustained major leg injuries. Law enforcement reports that there was no evidence of impairment. He was in town to participate in the tournament. (Photo by David McNew/Getty Images)

Photo: Getty Images

But I've been watching reports that refer to his Tuesday practice round and his return to the course as courageous and heroic. Hold on a second - let's not get carried away here. It's a remarkable comeback, but he had the best medical support money can buy, every step of the way. And yesterday he flew on his private plane to Augusta ,Georgia, had a car, and probably a driver waiting for him. He had his caddy there to carry his bag, and he played 18 holes of golf without a cart with his son and his friend.

If at any point he had a medical issue of any kind, he could stop playing and get a ride back to the clubhouse.

Impressive? Yes

Admirable? Yes

Courageous? Right after the crash, sure , but not on Tuesday.

Heroic? No

Let's leave words like courageous and heroic for those who -fight in wars for us, keep us safe in our communities, and discover cures and vaccines for disease.

If Tiger plays next week, I will certainly be watching. And I will be amazed at his quick bounce back from near death in that crash.

Much more than anything, I believe, I would've done.

So call him an uber athlete.

Call him a once in a generation competitor.

Call his comeback inspiring.

But "Hero"?

I've got a few people on my heroes list before I get to Tiger.