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Tiger Woods’ Iconic ‘Better Than Most’ Call Got Special Tribute at The Players Championship

Originally posted on DailyClubGolf | By Aditi Singh | Last updated Mar 15, 2026 4:01 PM ET

The Players Championship is marking the 25th anniversary of one of golf’s most remembered moments linked to 15-time major champion Tiger Woods.

The tribute comes even though Woods is not competing at this year’s event.

The moment dates back to the 2001 edition of the tournament at TPC Sawgrass. During the third round, Woods faced a long putt on the par-3 17th hole after his tee shot finished on the back collar of the island green.

The putt measured close to 60 feet and broke across the green. As the ball rolled toward the hole, NBC commentator Gary Koch delivered the line that later became part of golf history.

“Johnny, that’s better than most,” Koch said while the ball continued to track toward the cup.

Moments later, the ball dropped for a birdie. Koch repeated the call as Woods celebrated the putt that helped change the momentum of the round.

He later went on to win the tournament by one stroke, securing his first Players Championship title. To mark the anniversary, organizers introduced a two-part tribute during Saturday’s round this year.

Two-part tribute marks 25 years of Tiger Woods’ famous putt

First, the hole location on the 17th green was set in the same position used in 2001. The pin sits five paces from the front and five paces from the left, recreating the setup Woods faced that day.

A second tribute was placed out of sight. Inside the bottom of the cup on the island green, tournament officials engraved the words “Tiger Woods 2001” along with the phrase “Better Than Most,” referencing Koch’s call.

Players who retrieve their ball from the hole will be able to see the message, a small nod to the moment that remains one of the most replayed shots in the tournament’s history.

Although Woods is not present at this year’s event, the tribute ensures his 2001 moment remains part of the story at the Stadium Course.

This article first appeared on DailyClubGolf and was syndicated with permission.

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