USA TODAY International Edition
Tiger says ‘ game- time’ decision on Masters
AUGUSTA, Ga. – At 3: 21 p. m. local time on a peaceful Sunday at Augusta National Golf Club, Tiger Woods took to the practice ground and caused a stir.
With a smile on his face and without a limp in his step, Woods took a spot on the left side of the range and quickly went through a warmup.
Wearing a Georgia peach shirt and black slacks, Woods hit 33 golf balls – seven with his driver – in 20 minutes. At his side were Joey LaCava, his caddie, and Rob McNamara, his trusted friend, frequent playing partner and second pair of eyes.
The time on the range was extended by Billy Horschel, who came over for a big hug and began to chatter away. Also on the range were Sungjae Im, Max Homa, Mackenzie Hughes and Jason Kokrak among others.
The five- time Masters champ and 15- time major winner then was escorted in a golf cart to the 10th tee, where he began what was likely a nine- hole practice round. The course was closed to all but the players in the field.
“He looked like the Tiger we saw before the accident, the way the swing looked and the speed,” Horschel told reporters. “For him to hopefully be playing – which I think he is – I think we’re all giddy about it.”
Sunday was the next step for Woods, who will speak to the media at 11 a. m. ET Tuesday, as he determines if he will be fit enough to play in the 86th Masters starting Thursday. Woods could withdraw right up until his tee time on Thursday.
“It will be a game- time decision on whether I compete,” he wrote in a tweet earlier in the day when he said he was heading to Augusta National.
Woods has been playing at The Medalist near his home in Jupiter, Florida, and on Tuesday flew up from the Sunshine State for an 18- hole practice round at Augusta National. He played with his son, Charlie, and 2017 PGA champion Justin Thomas.
It was a major test on the rugged, hilly Augusta National course for his surgically repaired right leg and foot. Woods was involved in a horrific, single- car crash north of Los Angeles on Feb. 23, 2021. He suffered multiple, serious injuries to his right leg and foot, and he later acknowledged that amputation of the leg was a possibility.
He was bedridden for months before slowly building back his body. Then he started putting and hitting golf balls.
Depending on how Sunday’s practice round went and considering the forecast that calls for heavy rains on Tuesday and more rain on Wednesday, Woods likely will play a practice round on Monday.