Tiger Woods on competing at Masters: ‘As of right now, I feel like I am going to play’

Tiger Woods hedged a bit when requested whether or not he deliberate on enjoying the Masters this week however seemed to be hopeful.

“As of proper now, I really feel like I’m going to play,” he informed reporters Tuesday.

Woods stated he plans on enjoying one other 9 holes on Wednesday in preparation for Thursday’s first spherical in what could be his first occasion in opposition to high-level competitors for the reason that 2020 Masters.

Woods stated he did really feel like he may win the Masters and the arduous half about him enjoying was whether or not he was going to have the ability to proceed to stroll the course.

Woods performed the PNC Championship in December 2021 and December 2020 alongside his son Charlie.

The 46-year-old golfer introduced his dedication to play after a observe spherical on Monday and one other Tuesday morning previous to his information convention.

Tiger Woods on the driving vary throughout a observe spherical for the Masters on Tuesday, April 5, 2022, in Augusta, Georgia.
(AP Picture/Charlie Riedel)

Woods has made clear his days of enjoying competitively each weekend are over. He stated at Tuesday’s press convention he wouldn’t be gearing as much as play if he didn’t suppose he may win.

Woods shattered bones in his proper leg, wanted a rod in his tibia to stabilize the accidents, and wanted screws and pins in his ankle after being concerned in a automobile crash in February 2021.

He informed Golf Digest in November he’ll possible by no means compete on the PGA Tour often once more.

“I believe one thing that’s lifelike is enjoying the Tour in the future – by no means full time, ever once more – however choose and select, similar to Mr. (Ben) Hogan did. Choose and select a couple of occasions a 12 months and also you mess around that,” Woods informed Golf Digest. “You observe round that, and also you gear your self up for that. I believe that’s how I’m going to should play it any more. It’s an unlucky actuality, but it surely’s my actuality. And I perceive it, and I settle for it.”

Final summer time, he was seen working towards his swing and made a couple of appearances at golf programs and occasions earlier than taking time to observe at Augusta Nationwide. He and his son completed second to Crew Daly on the PNC Championship. It was his solely competitors of any variety for the reason that 2020 Masters.

TIGER WOODS AT THE MASTERS: REMEMBERING THE GOLF LEGEND’S FEATS AT AUGUSTA

Tiger Woods is seen after observe.
(Reuters/Mike Segar)

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 received the Masters in 2001, 2002 and 2005. He final performed within the event in 2020. He didn’t play final 12 months as he was recovering from accidents suffered within the automobile crash.

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