Tiger follows ‘blueprint’ to prepare for Masters
Tiger Woods said on Tuesday that he’ll prepare for this year’s Masters in much the same way as in 2019 when he ended an 11-year wait for a major title with a remarkable triumph at Augusta National.
Woods completed an extraordinary return from spinal fusion surgery in 2017, producing one of the most emotional finishes in tournament history as he came from behind to win by one shot last April.
“The plan is to prepare the same way,” Woods said on a Masters champion conference call. “It worked last year, so yeah, I’ve got a blueprint for what I need to do.”
Woods, who has competed in three official PGA Tour events this season, didn’t reveal his playing schedule ahead of the Masters, which runs from April 9-12, but did say that he’s doing everything he can to peak at the year’s first major.
The former world No. 1 said he turned his focus to his Masters title defence last December, when his duties as a playing captain for the victorious U.S. squad in the Presidents Cup in Australia came to a close.
“Once that was done, my prep has been just like it usually is. That is, what do I need to do to get ready for the Masters?,” said the fivetime Masters champ.
“I’ve been fortunate to have done this now five times, and to try to have everything peak together for just an incredible week. It’s hard to do.”
Woods said his latest triumph was all the more special because his two children were there to witness the moment after being on hand for his close call at the previous year’s British Open.
After sealing his triumph, Woods enjoyed an emotional embrace with the youngsters.
“To have them experience what it feels like to be part of a major championship and watch their dad fail and not get it done, and now to be a part of it when I did get it done, I think it’s two memories that they’ll never forget,” Woods said.