Barring the unexpected, Tiger Woods will play the Masters Tournament. It will be the first major event the golfer has taken part in since the car accident that almost cost him a leg in February 2021.
The five-time Augusta National champion made the announcement on Tuesday. He will play an additional practice nine on Wednesday before making a final decision. But he does this with the intention of being on the tee boxes on Thursday.
“Right now I feel like I’m going to play,” said Woods, who was asked if he thought he’d win this week. ” I believe him. »
“I have no problem hitting the ball,” added Woods. I have no doubts about my physical abilities to play golf. But walking is the most difficult. First of all, it’s not an easy walk. The state my leg is in makes it even more difficult. And 72 holes is a long walk. It will be a daunting challenge, but I am ready to take it on. »
Several signals over the past few days have suggested a return to play for Woods. He came to Augusta for a practice round on Sunday, saying he would make his decision at the last minute. He played another on Monday. Tuesday morning, with the weather forecast calling for rough weather, he spent a lot of time in the practice area.
“It’s good to be back,” he said.
His departure time was set for 10:34 a.m. on Thursday, accompanied by Louis Oosthuizen and Joaquin Niemann. The same trio will start at 1:41 p.m. Friday.
Woods last played in December at the PNC Challenge, a 36-hole tournament on a relatively flat Florida course, where he and his son Charlie finished second, behind John Daly and his son. Woods was able to use a cart during this event. Once those rounds were over, he said he was no closer to a return to the PGA Tour, that he couldn’t compete with the best on the planet.
About three and a half months later, Woods now believes otherwise. If he takes the start, he will be at a 24and participation in the Masters Tournament. In his first 23 appearances, he finished in the top five 12 times. “I love competition,” admitted Woods. I believe I can still perform at the highest level; I will do it. And if I feel like I can still win, I’ll keep playing. If I no longer feel that I can do it, you will no longer see on the courses. »
Thursday’s round would be Woods’ first against the best in his profession since the Nov. 15, 2020, final round of the Masters Tournament, postponed due to the pandemic. Two months later, he underwent a fifth back surgery.
He was still recovering when he was involved in the horrific car accident on February 23, 2021. Woods’ injuries were so extensive that doctors seriously considered amputating his right leg. They eventually reassembled his leg by securing a metal rod in his shin, in addition to using screws to stabilize additional ankle and foot injuries.
“It’s been a very, very difficult year. […]but here we are,” he concluded.