Tiger Woods looked ‘phenomenal’ in practice round at Augusta, Fred Couples says

Golfer Fred {Couples} is optimistic about Tiger Woods competing within the 2022 Masters this week, saying he seemed “phenomenal” throughout his apply spherical Monday. 

Woods has been the focal point at Augusta Nationwide Golf Membership as hypothesis continues to develop concerning the five-time champion making his epic return to the Masters. On Monday, he performed in a apply spherical with {Couples}, the 1992 Masters champion, and Justin Thomas, the 2017 PGA champion. 

“He seemed phenomenal,” {Couples} mentioned of Woods, through ESPN. “What impressed me essentially the most is he was bombing it. I do know JT’s not the longest hitter on tour, however I do know he is rattling lengthy. He was with him, flushing it.”

“I hope all the things retains going Tuesday and Wednesday, and I am certain he will tee it up Thursday,” {Couples} added.

Through the apply spherical, Woods hit 5 of seven fairways and 5 of 9 greens, and appeared to indicate no seen indicators of ache, {Couples} mentioned. Although Woods reportedly walked with a slight limp. 

“He is sort of a tricky man,” {Couples} mentioned. “He is by no means going to let you already know he is in ache. He seemed good strolling. You’ll be able to at all times be in ache, however to hit it like that, now it is simply the strolling half. If he can stroll round right here for 72 holes, he’ll contend. He is too good.”

Woods has but to play in a aggressive PGA Tour occasion since he suffered traumatic leg accidents in a single-car accident in late February 2021. Woods was recovering from a fifth again surgical procedure when he crashed his SUV over a median on a suburban coastal highway in Los Angeles. The SUV tumbled down the facet of a hill. Docs mentioned Woods shattered tibia and fibula bones within the crash. 

{Couples} mentioned he was shocked that Woods was already again at Augusta after his accident. He added that Woods texted him on Sunday inviting him to Monday’s apply spherical.

AS TIGER WOODS’ MASTERS SPECULATION COMES TO FEVER PITCH, HE’S REVEALED WHAT HURDLE HE HAS TO OVERCOME

“I’ve a again situation,” {Couples} mentioned. “I’ve labored on it since I used to be in my 30s. What he had was again points, a number of operations, after which a horrific automotive accident. So, he is the primary to inform you, ‘I am fortunate to be alive, fortunate to be with my youngsters,’ and now he is enjoying.”

Tiger Woods tees off on the seventh gap throughout a apply spherical for the Masters golf event on Monday, April 4, 2022, in Augusta, Ga.
(AP Picture/Matt Slocum)

“I do not know the fitting phrase. It isn’t surprising as a result of he is the best participant to ever play,” {Couples} added. “You give him a few good minutes, you give him a few good legs, and he swings like this. Now comes the strolling a part of it. I am not going to guesstimate. I watched him immediately and he seemed phenomenal.”

For Woods, the one small dose of competitors he is had on the course this yr was when he participated within the PNC Championship together with his son Charlie. Woods was noticed touchdown at Augusta, Georgia, final week, sparking hypothesis of his potential return to aggressive play. 

On Sunday, Woods tweeted his return to the 2022 Masters can be a “game-time resolution.”

“I can be heading as much as Augusta immediately to proceed my preparation and apply. It will likely be a game-time resolution on whether or not I compete,” he wrote.

Woods was at Augusta on Sunday afternoon, driving the ball and giving the tough course a shot. Golfer Billy Horschel gave a very good report on how Woods seemed on the course.

Tiger Woods putts on the fourth inexperienced throughout a apply spherical for the Masters golf event on Monday, April 4, 2022, in Augusta, Ga.
(AP Picture/Jae C. Hong)

“He seemed good to me,” former FedExCup champion Billy Horschel, who watched Woods hit balls Sunday afternoon, mentioned through PGATour.com. “He seemed just like the Tiger we noticed earlier than the accident … the way in which the swing seemed and the velocity.”

Woods has made 23 profession begins on the Masters, the place he has 14 top-10 finishes. He placed on his first inexperienced jacket in 1997 at age 21 and once more throughout a profession comeback in 2019 at age 43.

Woods additionally gained the Masters in 2001, 2002 and 2005. He final performed within the event in 2020.

The primary spherical of the 86th Masters begins April 7 and runs by way of April 10. Hideki Matsuyama is the defending champion. 

Fox Information’ Ryan Gaydos contributed to this report