Dr. David Chao: What you can realistically expect out of Tiger Woods this week at Augusta

Nobody ought to doubt Tiger Woods as he has nothing to show. Profitable The Masters after 5 again surgical procedures and a fusion ought to have confirmed that. Nonetheless it there is no such thing as a manner that he’s 100%.

In reality, he can’t even put on his footwear made by Nike, whose final sponsorship contract was estimated to pay him over $200 million. He’s sporting FootJoy golf footwear, as they provide him extra help.

Tiger shall be profitable at Augusta and sure make the reduce, however don’t purchase into the concept he can contend on Sunday. Simply taking part in a little bit greater than a 12 months after his devastating leg, ankle and foot accidents is a serious accomplishment.

LIVE COVERAGE: 2022 MASTERS

So what can golf followers realistically count on from Tiger Woods this week at Augusta Nationwide?

Anticipate Woods to strike the ball properly and probably create much more pleasure as he will get off to an excellent begin. On condition that The Masters has a restricted area and the the highest 50 scores (plus ties) advance, the possibilities of Tiger making the reduce are fairly good. With a area of 90 that features previous champions, exemptions and amateurs, the sphere is actually solely about 75 gamers who might contend and sure solely 20 gamers will miss the reduce. Tiger has made the swing changes for his accidents and nonetheless is a superb golfer. That’s the excellent news.

The dangerous information is, count on him to tire. 

Tiger Woods of america appears to be like on over the 18th gap throughout a follow spherical previous to the Masters at Augusta Nationwide Golf Membership on April 06, 2022 in Augusta, Georgia.
(Jamie Squire/Getty Photographs)

Woods has but to compete or stroll and play 4 straight rounds of aggressive golf since his accident. Augusta is not any joke. TV doesn’t precisely convey how hilly the course is. Woods has been filmed limping up hills, tiring on the finish of his nine-hole practices this week and utilizing his membership for help. It will not be surprising if he has to withdraw or if the ache and lack of movement causes accuracy points because the event proceeds.

Tiger Woods drops golf balls on the driving vary throughout a follow spherical for the Masters golf event on Tuesday, April 5, 2022, in Augusta, Ga.
(AP Photograph/Charlie Riedel)

Let’s cheer Tiger on for his comeback and hope for some early pleasure. Nonetheless, ultimately, it appears an excessive amount of to ask for a Sunday red-shirted cost up the leaderboard.

Dr. David Chao, aka ProFootballDoc, is a former staff doctor for the NFL’s San Diego Chargers for 17 years. His is the previous Chief Medical Officer for ESPN’s X Video games at greater than two dozen summer time and winter occasions. His SICscore.com web site is the place followers can get Dr. Chao’s newest sports-related damage data.