Tiger Woods can play Augusta any time he likes. His visit on Saturday with Florida chum Justin Thomas and Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley was not a social round. Woods doesn’t do social golf. He was preparing for his 26th appearance at the Masters next week.
Woods, a five-time past champion, is automatically qualified to participate in the invitational event. It is customary for previous winners to notify the tournament if they are withdrawing, but Woods has not done so. His recent course inspection on Saturday, along with his history of commitment to the game despite physical challenges, can be seen as a sign that he will indeed be participating.
Despite facing injuries and surgeries, Woods has always maintained his determination to compete and win, as evidenced by his remarkable victory at the Masters in 2019 following a spinal fusion surgery. However, his limited participation in tournaments since the accident in February 2021, which nearly resulted in the loss of his right leg, raises questions about his readiness for the upcoming event.
He qualified for the Masters last year, but had to pull out during the third round due to discomfort. He managed to finish all four rounds at the Hero World Challenge in December, but had to withdraw from the Genesis Invitational in February because of the flu.
Why is Woods playing a big deal?
Woods continues to be the game’s ultimate benchmark. His presence on the golf course always sparks more interest in the sport. This is crucial as golf has been struggling due to the absence of top players who have joined LIV Golf. TV ratings have dropped significantly, leaving fans disappointed with the lack of star power at traditional PGA Tour events.
Woods is currently playing a key role in negotiations between the PGA Tour and LIV’s Saudi investors to bring the sport back together under one governing body. The goal is to find a solution that will allow top players like Jon Rahm, Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka, and Bryson DeChambeau to return to the PGA Tour regularly. Until then, the four major championships will be the only events where fans can see the world’s best golfers face off.
Adding Woods’ name to the mix only heightens the excitement leading up to the first major of the season.
Does he have any chance of competing on Sunday?
His history indicates that he will definitely be playing on Sunday. Woods has only missed the cut once, and that was before he turned pro. In 1996, as an amateur, he left early. The next year, at 21 years old, Woods came back to win his first of 15 major championships with a remarkable 12-stroke lead. All this, despite taking 40 strokes to finish the front nine on the first day.
If Woods qualifies for the 24th time next week, he will surpass both Gary Player and his close friend Freddie Couples in the Augusta annals. Currently, Woods and Couples hold the record for the most consecutive cuts made at 23, but Woods will stand alone with 24 if he succeeds.
Due to his limited tournament golf exposure after a life-threatening injury, some may doubt his chances. However, Woods’ strong brand and history of remarkable victories make the possibility of him winning a sixth jacket not entirely far-fetched.
He managed to win the 2008 US Open at Torrey Pines despite having a fractured leg that needed surgery the next week. Additionally, he achieved an amazing result at the Masters five years ago with a back that was too stiff to bend.
The Florida telegraph has been abuzz with news of Woods’ exceptional ball-striking abilities. He may still possess the necessary skills to excel, but the real challenge lies in putting them to the test on a challenging course with significant elevation changes. Nevertheless, few golfers have demonstrated the level of skill and experience that Tiger Woods has.
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