2024 has been a year of incredible comebacks in golf, with several players showing just what it takes to fight back from adversity.
Gary Woodland’s return to golf after brain surgery stands out as one of the most inspiring stories. Just four months after a procedure that nearly ended his career in late 2023, the former major champion was back competing at the highest level.
But he’s not the only one making waves.
Matteo Manassero, once a teenage sensation, completed perhaps the most remarkable turnaround. After falling off the main tour and grinding through minor leagues, the Italian captured his first DP World Tour win in 11 years. He’ll be playing on the PGA Tour next year – quite a journey for someone who was competing on the Challenge Tour just two years ago.
The comeback stories just keep coming.
Linn Grant pulled off something special at the Scandinavian Mixed, coming from 11 shots behind to win. That’s the kind of deficit most players wouldn’t even dream of overcoming.
Rasmus Hojgaard showed what resilience looks like. After missing out on a PGA Tour card by just one shot in 2023 (talk about heartbreak), he bounced back to win the Irish Open and finish second in the Race to Dubai rankings.
Then there’s Marcel Siem. The German had hip surgery in February, but that didn’t stop him. In just his fourth tournament back, he won the Italian Open.
Looking at all these stories, Woodland’s return might be the most meaningful. When you’re facing brain surgery, golf becomes secondary. The fact that he not only came back but has been playing well shows incredible courage.
But Manassero’s story is equally compelling. He went from being golf’s next big thing to almost disappearing from the sport entirely. Now he’s earned his way to the PGA Tour. That’s the kind of comeback that reminds us why we love sports.
Which comeback story impressed you the most? You can vote for your choice below.
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