Tiger Woods is listed as a player for The Masters, but there are concerns raised by a longtime friend of the golfer about his ability to walk all 72 holes of the tournament.

Tiger Woods, the 15-time major champion, is facing physical challenges as he contemplates playing in The Masters later this month. Since his severe car crash in 2021, which resulted in significant leg injuries, Woods has been grappling with various ailments as he strives to stay competitive.

According to a close friend of Woods, Notah Begay III, Woods is strategizing how to navigate the tournament considering his physical limitations. Begay mentioned in a conference call that Woods has minimal mobility in his left ankle and is dealing with persistent low-back issues, despite undergoing ankle fusion surgery in 2023.

 

Woods has acknowledged the toll his recovery process has taken on him, describing the initial months as particularly challenging. To aid in his rehabilitation, he has switched to wearing FootJoy shoes for added ankle support.

Although it’s uncertain whether Woods will participate in The Masters, Begay believes Woods will make every effort to do so if his health permits. Reports indicate that Woods recently played a practice round at Augusta National with Justin Thomas and club chairman Fred Ridley.

 

The main concern surrounding Woods’s potential participation is his ability to withstand the physical demands of playing 72 holes over four days and recovering between rounds. This uncertainty will likely persist until Woods tests his preparedness during the tournament.

 

Woods, who has won The Masters five times, has a remarkable track record at Augusta National, having made the cut in 23 consecutive starts, a record he shares with Fred Couples and Gary Player.

 

Despite his storied career and achievements, Woods has been plagued by injuries in recent years, with his last PGA Tour appearance at the Genesis Invitational ending prematurely due to back spasms and illness.

 

The Masters, scheduled to begin on April 11, holds a special place in Woods’s career, and if he decides to compete, it will mark his 26th appearance at the prestigious tournament.

 

While Woods’s participation remains uncertain, his determination to overcome his physical challenges and compete at the highest level once again continues to captivate fans and fellow golfers alike.