The prospect of Tiger Woods making an incredible comeback at next week’s Masters has increased after the 15-time Major winner arrived for a practice round at Augusta National on Tuesday. He hasn’t played golf since he sustained serious leg injuries in a car accident in February last year.
Woods is expected to assess his physical ability to play after 18 holes in the first men’s major of 2022, with a decision likely to be made before the end of this week. How Wood’s body reacts to walking Augusta’s hilly terrain will be crucial. When Woods’ private jet landed in Georgia Tuesday morning, bookies immediately reduced his chances of a sixth Green Jacket.
Woods, who won the Masters of 2019 after returning from multiple back surgeries, was thought highly unlikely to play competitively until before this year’s Open Championship at St Andrews at the earliest. He performed with his son Charlie at the PNC Championships in December, but with the assistance of a golf cart. A month earlier, he admitted he was “lucky to be alive” after the Los Angeles crash, adding, “Now I can participate in golf. Up to what level? I do not know that.”
Images of Woods playing at the Medalist Club in Florida have emerged in recent days, fueling speculation of an unlikely return for the Masters. Despite being the master at creating mysteries, the fact the 46-year-old is willing to visit Augusta at this point means he is taking the opportunity to compete in the 86th edition of the Master seriously.