Tiger Watch: Back On The Prowl?

04/06/2022

By: Jeff Yoder

Against All Odds, Tiger Woods Says He’s Playing This Weekend at The Masters

Our focus shifts to A Tradition Unlike Any Other, and one man is the center of attention. Just 14 months after the horrific car accident that nearly cost Tiger Woods his leg — and his life — the five-time Masters champion is back at Augusta. Woods’ practice rounds on Monday and Tuesday were surrounded by patrons looking to catch a glimpse of golf’s iconic superhero, and Tuesday’s news confirmed what many had hoped: He plans to play.

 

Against All Odds

It was February of 2021 when Woods crashed his SUV in Los Angeles, smashing into a median and rolling 30 yards off the road before hitting a tree. Fractures in his tibia and fibula led to a near amputation of his leg. But the 46-year-old — as he has countless times before — is making a comeback. From back fusions to knee surgeries and the scandals that brought golf’s greatest star through a roller-coaster career, he’s back at Augusta, and he thinks he can win.

 

“My team has been unbelievable… We’ve worked hard to get to this point, to get to this opportunity to walk the grounds, test it out, and see if I can do this. It’s been a tough, tough year and a lot of stuff that I had to deal with that I don’t wish on anyone, but here we are, Masters week…” —Tiger Woods

 

When asked if he thinks he can win The Masters this week, Woods responded simply, “I do.”

 

Watch: Tiger Woods Press Conference at Augusta

 

This year marks the 25th anniversary of Woods’ first green jacket (1997). Somehow, some way, he’ll take aim at No. 6 this week. The question isn’t whether or not he can swing — that’s been honed back in — but rather if he can make the walk for 72 holes through Augusta’s hilly terrain.

 

Woods will tee off on Thursday alongside Louis Oosthuizen and Joaquin Niemann (10:34 am ET).

 

Additional Storylines

FTW: One Wild Photo From Tiger Woods’ Practice Road Shows Why He’s A Legend

SI: Just Getting to This Point is One of Tiger Woods’ Greatest Comebacks

CBS Sports: 2022 Masters Predictions: Ranking the Field From 1-91 At Augusta

 

Photo: Andrew Redington / Getty Images