Tiger Woods' Chip Shot On 16th Hole At Memorial Propels Him To Win (VIDEO)

Cue up the "Tiger Woods is back" conversations!

On the 16th hole at the 2012 Memorial Tournament, Tiger Woods made an absolutely amazing shot to tie Rory Sabbatini for the lead at 8-under par on Sunday. The stunning 50-foot chip shot for birdie had the term "Vintage Tiger" trending on Twitter in no time. And, in true vintage fashion, Tiger celebrated the shot with a fierce fist pump.

WATCH VIDEO ABOVE

"I don't think I've ever seen a better one. That was the most unbelievable, gutsy shot that I've ever seen," raved golf legend Jack Nicklaus, who founded the tournament, after Jim Nantz of CBS asked if anyone had hit a better shot at the Memorial. "It was really, really unbelievable, particularly because of the position he was in. He hits it short the tournament is over. He hits it long the tournament is over. He put it in the hole. Unbelievable."

Unbelievable!

After making this stunning shot, Woods went on to putt for par on 17 and then birdie the 18th hole as Sabbatini faltered down the stretch. Woods finished the final round at the Memorial at 5-under 67 and celebrated his fifth win at the tournament with a handshake from Nicklaus, who was waiting near the 18th green.

With this win, Woods ties Nicklaus with 73 career PGA Tour wins. They now share second place on the all-time list, trailing Sam Snead (82)

Loading Slideshow

• Tiger Wins Memorial

  The names of Rickie Fowler and Tiger Woods are placed in a standard on the first tee during the final round of the Memorial Tournament presented by Nationwide Insurance at Muirfield Village Golf Club on June 3, 2012 in Dublin, Ohio.

• Tiger Wins Memorial

  Tiger Woods tees off on the first hole during the final round of the Memorial golf tournament, Sunday, June 3, 2012, in Dublin, Ohio.

• Tiger Wins Memorial

  Tiger Woods reacts to missing a putt on the first hole during the final round of the Memorial golf tournament Sunday, June 3, 2012, in Dublin, Ohio. Woods parred the hole.

• Tiger Wins Memorial

  Rickie Fowler watches his tee shot on the second hole as Tiger Woods looks on during the final round of the Memorial Tournament presented by Nationwide Insurance at Muirfield Village Golf Club on June 3, 2012 in Dublin, Ohio.

• Tiger Wins Memorial

  Tiger Woods reacts after missing a birdie putt on the first hole during the final round of the Memorial golf tournament at the Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin, Ohio, Sunday, June 3, 2012. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)

• Tiger Wins Memorial

  Tiger Woods watches his second shot on the first hole during the final round of the Memorial golf tournament on Sunday, June 3, 2012, in Dublin, Ohio. Woods parred the hole.

• Tiger Wins Memorial

  Tiger Woods hits from the sand on the eighth hole during the final round of the Memorial golf tournament on Sunday, June 3, 2012, in Dublin, Ohio. Woods bogeyed the hole.

• Tiger Wins Memorial

  Tiger Woods reacts to missing the green with his second shot on the 14th hole during the final round of the Memorial golf tournament, Sunday, June 3, 2012, in Dublin, Ohio. Woods went for par on the hole.

• Tiger Wins Memorial

  Tiger Woods hits his second shot on the par 4 13th hole during the final round of the Memorial Tournament presented by Nationwide Insurance at Muirfield Village Golf Club on June 3, 2012 in Dublin, Ohio.

• Tiger Wins Memorial

  Tiger Woods chips onto the 14th green during the final round of the Memorial golf tournament, Sunday, June 3, 2012, in Dublin, Ohio. Woods went for par on the hole.

• Tiger Wins Memorial

  Tiger Woods celebrates after chipping in for birdie on the par 3 16th hole during the final round of the Memorial Tournament presented by Nationwide Insurance at Muirfield Village Golf Club on June 3, 2012 in Dublin, Ohio.

• Tiger Wins Memorial

  Tiger Woods celebrates after chipping in for birdie on the par 3 16th hole during the final round of the Memorial Tournament presented by Nationwide Insurance at Muirfield Village Golf Club on June 3, 2012 in Dublin, Ohio.

• Tiger Wins Memorial

  Tiger Woods celebrates after chipping in for birdie on the par 3 16th hole during the final round of the Memorial Tournament presented by Nationwide Insurance at Muirfield Village Golf Club on June 3, 2012 in Dublin, Ohio.

• Tiger Wins Memorial

  Tiger Woods putts on the 17th hole during the final round of the Memorial golf tournament at the Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin, Ohio, Sunday, June 3, 2012. Woods won the tournament, finishing at 9-under par.

• Tiger Wins Memorial

  Tiger Woods pumps his fist after making a birdie putt on the 18th hole during the final round of the Memorial golf tournament, Sunday, June 3, 2012, in Dublin, Ohio. Woods birdied three of his last four holes to win the Memorial and match tournament host Jack Nicklaus with his 73rd title on the PGA Tour.

• Tiger Wins Memorial

  Tiger Woods raises his putter after making a birdie putt on the 18th hole during the final round of the Memorial golf tournament, Sunday, June 3, 2012, in Dublin, Ohio. Woods birdied three of his last four holes to win the Memorial and match tournament host Jack Nicklaus with his 73rd title on the PGA Tour.

• Tiger Wins Memorial

  Tiger Woods, left, shakes hands with Rickie Fowler after making a birdie putt on the 18th hole during the final round of the Memorial golf tournament, Sunday, June 3, 2012, in Dublin, Ohio. Woods birdied three of his last four holes to win the Memorial and match tournament host Jack Nicklaus with his 73rd title on the PGA Tour. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)

• Tiger Wins Memorial

  Tiger Woods, left, shakes hands with his caddie Joe LaCava after making a birdie putt on the 18th hole during the final round of the Memorial golf tournament, Sunday, June 3, 2012, in Dublin, Ohio. Woods birdied three of his last four holes to win the Memorial and match tournament host Jack Nicklaus with his 73rd title on the PGA Tour.

• Tiger Wins Memorial

  Tiger Woods celebrates after making birdie on the par 4 18th hole during the final round of the Memorial Tournament presented by Nationwide Insurance at Muirfield Village Golf Club on June 3, 2012 in Dublin, Ohio.

• Tiger Wins Memorial

• Tiger Wins Memorial

  Tournament founder Jack Nicklaus greets Tiger Woods as he walks off the 18th green during the final round of the Memorial Tournament presented by Nationwide Insurance at Muirfield Village Golf Club on June 3, 2012 in Dublin, Ohio.

• Tiger Wins Memorial

  Tiger Woods waves to the gallery as he walks to the 18th green during the final round of the Memorial Tournament presented by Nationwide Insurance at Muirfield Village Golf Club on June 3, 2012 in Dublin, Ohio.

• the Memorial Tournament Presented By Nationwide Insurance - Final Round

  DUBLIN, OH - JUNE 03: Tiger Woods looks at the crowd following the Memorial Tournament presented by Nationwide Insurance at Muirfield Village Golf Club on June 3, 2012 in Dublin, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

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Comments

[1hotgolfer]

09:16 PM on 06/06/2012

When reading all of the opinions posted here evaluating Tiger Wood's present and future performances, it seems that the doubt and dismissiveness indicates there is a lack of connection with reality, plus an abundant lack of knowledge of the game of golf. The man is 36 years old, not 21-26...he has two wins and a 2nd place finish (on 3 of the hardest courses and with the best fields) in just 8 tournaments, leads the tour in total driving and scoring, ranks in the top 10 in three other statistical categories and the money list, is third in FedEx points, and is ranked #4 in the world. Did I already say he's 36 years old...12-14 years older than a majority of his competitors?

And when you look at the totality of his accomplishments, past and present...all compiled while undergoing four knee surgeries, lasik eye surgery, three/four swing changes, the death of his father, and personal scandal. The fact that the "unqualified" posters feel empowered to evaluate this man's present and future seems absolutely ludicrous.

[IndependentAndProud]

04:10 AM on 06/07/2012

One heIIuva good post, 1hotgolfer. May I add that Tiger was sick for at least one of the four days of the Memorial. Stomach flu, I believe.

F&F

[woodguy1063]

08:54 AM on 06/08/2012

I will send my reply after he misses the cut at the PGA.

[1hotgolfer]

07:22 PM on 06/10/2012

What, you're just another "drive-by" poster...looking for what you think is a scenario where you can criticize without accountability? How much courage, knowledge, or intellect does that take?

[grmi12]

06:46 AM on 06/06/2012

Always cheer for the favorite or the one who is disliked the most. It is harder to stay at the top than get to the top. It is time for all so called golf fans and others to quick their hatred toward the greatest golfer of all time. If he is not number one now, he will be. Not to bad to be at the top of the list with Jack, Arnie, Sam, Bobby, and a few others. He made some mistakes, get over it and move on with something more positive.

[altongrimes]

05:14 AM on 06/06/2012

Tiger Woods....a great champion...a mighty inspiration

[kennyfasugbe]

12:15 AM on 06/06/2012

For all Tiger haters because of his affairs... who knows what Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer were up to during their younger years? In their time, the press was not into your business like it is today. And definitely in their time, there was no internet to make any bad news go viral. Give it a rest... all of you would trade places with him if given the chance... money, fame, playboy lifestyle and the pains... all are par for the course if you are grand enough to weather the storm!

[wolfdancer]

09:42 PM on 06/05/2012

For all you haters here are the statistics:

Jack Nicklaus: PGA events played = 594; PGA wins = 73; win percentage = 12.3%

Tiger Wood: PGA events played = 283; PGA wins = 73; win percentage = 25.8%

Jack Nicklaus is a great champion and he is the second greatest golfer in history. Even Jack recognizes that Tiger will surpass him. Why you haters can't see that... well, that is really your loss.

[kennyfasugbe]

12:01 AM on 06/06/2012

If your stats figs are accurate... my only comment is, my God, how in the world is 25.8% possible! Even Jack's 12.3% is a miracle enough for the game. Wow!

[FreedToChoose]

01:42 PM on 06/06/2012

Here's another stat: "In 1945 Nelson enjoyed a record-breaking year, winning 18 of 35 PGA tournaments including 11 in a row."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Byron_Nelson#Record-breaking_year

He won fifty two PGA tournaments in an eleven year career before he returned to his Texas ranch.

[wolfdancer]

07:53 PM on 06/06/2012

Go to PGATOUR.com and you can see the statistics for any player including those that play on the Champions Tour, such as Jack Nicklaus.

[rooster65]

05:15 PM on 06/05/2012

The best shot in the Woods family was his wife Elin hitting from the rough taking out the back window of his car with a 5 iron after he drove into the fire hydrant outside his house. Classic golf without par!

[1hotgolfer]

08:13 PM on 06/05/2012

Man, that was "stupid funny"...actually. it is just really stupid!!

[kennyfasugbe]

12:03 AM on 06/06/2012

I can stand here and say of you: you would give your tiny 3" wood to live a splinter of Wood's life! Most men would give their life in exchange for his without thinking it twice... marriage pains, gains and glory!

[BeyondTheBull]

02:19 PM on 06/05/2012

Even with his past 3 year 'slump' ... Tiger wins 28% of all PGA tournaments in which he plays. Jack Nicklaus won at a 12.5% rate. It took Tiger 269 PGA starts to win 73 titles; Nicklaus took 460 PGA starts to win 73 titles (Jack didn't win a title in his last 126 starts). Impressive!

[1hotgolfer]

08:26 PM on 06/05/2012

Yes, very impressive. Even better is that the "slump" only lasted from December 2009 thru December 2011, when he won the Chevron Challenge...against 18 PGA pros who won 28 of 37 tour titles in 2011. To me, that's beating a limited field comprised of the best of the best on the PGA TOUR. That accounts for twenty-three (23) months without a win...not 36. Very impressive, ALL things considered!!

[bft0309]

03:08 AM on 06/05/2012

Way to go Tiger!!! Awesome, sick shot.......................And to those who are still saying negative little comments about you, we all faulter at this game of life, no one is perfect and we learn from our mistakes, none of us has any right to be critical of another. They can say what they will, however, the thing they can't take away from you is the game of golf, you are the very best that I've ever seen. I'll be watching to see what's next!! Congrats, you're awesome!!

[ahanlonjr]

11:44 PM on 06/04/2012

Tiger knows all about getting it in the hole...

[vidian6]

02:24 AM on 06/05/2012

troll

[Chestnut horse]

10:56 PM on 06/04/2012

Its been said before.. Tiger lurks, Tiger roars, Tiger surges, Tigers back. Then he craps in his pants at the Masters and cries and throws his clubs. What a hero.

[Lou Bonacci]

01:22 AM on 06/05/2012

You mean what a ZERO!

[kennyfasugbe]

12:07 AM on 06/06/2012

Lou Bonacci who? But Tiger we know!

[1hotgolfer]

08:07 PM on 06/06/2012

ZERO is your "fan" base...matches your IQ

[moephoto]

01:48 AM on 06/05/2012

73 wins. What you don't know about golf, is a lot.

[Chestnut horse]

10:27 PM on 06/05/2012

No kidding Sherlock. How many lately? Keep cheering your immoral hero.

[woodguy1063]

10:47 PM on 06/04/2012

Great shot but come on- we have all seen way better. Lets get real too. Who cares about any tournament other than the big 4. Lets see him win a major before we proclaim "he's back"!!

[meronnotu]

11:30 PM on 06/04/2012

You can't be a golfer.

[woodguy1063]

06:42 PM on 06/05/2012

Actually I am a crappy golfer, but even I have made shots like this once in a blue moon. Tiger has had many better than this.Nice win for Tiger, but all I am saying is that the media is getting carried away. Lets see him do it in a major.

[IndependentAndProud]

04:17 AM on 06/07/2012

You just outted yourself as knowing next to nothing about golf. Back to lawn bowling for you.

[Lo Chiaro]

09:27 PM on 06/04/2012

HP. Thanks for fixing the typo..."he put it in the WHOLE." Honestly.

[lsvllronald5]

08:31 PM on 06/04/2012

Tiger made a phenomenal shot at the Memorial Golf Classic to win his 73rd PGA event tying the legendary Jack Nicklaus. The shot reminded of the shot he made on the 16th hole at Augusta to win the Masters in 2005.

[Lou Bonacci]

01:24 AM on 06/05/2012

Phenomenal? Come on people! It wasn't THAT great. Sure, a good shot but, certainly not what some are making it.

[Reggie Licious]

02:33 AM on 06/05/2012

Thanks for proving you know nothing about golf... But opinions often don't have much to do with facts.

[lsvllronald5]

07:11 PM on 06/05/2012

Lou Bonacci, the I said the shot was phenomenal was because of the place, the moment and the dificulty of the shot. This shot secure his 73rd win to tie the great Jack Nicklaus.

You do not have to be a golf fan to appreciate the historical significance and circumstances in which the shot was made. I could use other superlatives like great, fantastic, tremendous, epic etc. but I preferred to use "Phenomenal"! Peace.

[LogicalMathMan]

07:44 PM on 06/04/2012

Did anyone else notice how he never even bothered to look where his drives went? It was like the Tiger of old. 4 more Majors and another 5 PGA wins and he eclipses both Nicklaus and Snead, and he is a mere 36. Incredible!

[fredcarle]

08:33 PM on 06/04/2012

That including a career breakdown following the scandal... even more amazing!

[LogicalMathMan]

02:03 AM on 06/05/2012

No doubt.....#3 fred.

[Richbruin]

09:40 PM on 06/05/2012

And did you notice he wasn't hitting driver on most of those occasions? Time will tell, but to me it looks like when the course sets up for him and he's on, he can contend. Unlike before when he was always on and the course wasn't relevant. Lets see which guy shows up at Olympic next week.

[LogicalMathMan]

02:42 AM on 06/06/2012

Yep...fingers crossed.

[Richbruin]

06:45 PM on 06/04/2012

The shot on 16 sure looked like the Tiger of old and he played 18 perfectly also....but is he back? My definition of "back" is he's in contention whenever he tees it up, doesn't fear the driver and wins when he is near the top of the board on Sunday......so I'm not sure he is truly back...