2022 Masters: Will Tiger Woods play Augusta National?

Tiger Woods has said that his participation in the 2022 Masters Tournament will be a “game-time decision”, and his practice round at Augusta National Golf Club indicates that he could be ready for the event.

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Woods preparing for the tournament

Woods had announced he will continue his preparation and practice in Augusta ahead of the tournament. In the presence of fans crowding the green, he had a practice round of nine holes alongside Fred Couples and Justin Thomas, finishing the session in a little more than two and a half hours. The five-time Masters champion played well, and was able to outdrive Thomas on several holes.

There was no question that the golfer could again swing like a champion, hitting five out of seven fairways and five out of nine greens. The bigger issue at this point is if his legs have healed enough to allow him walk around for 72 holes. Woods walked with a barely noticeable limp during the practice round.

Car crash in California

It has just been a little more than a year since Woods was involved in a one-car accident where he suffered severe leg injuries, almost causing one leg to be amputated. Screws, rods, and pins had to be placed in his leg, and orthopedic specialists initially said that it would take months or even years for the golf star to even walk again.

The 46-year-old has not played in a PGA Tour competition since the crash, but has worked hard on his recovery and rehabilitation. In December he played in the PNC Championship with his son Charlie, and they bagged second place.

That Woods is even considering playing once again at a major championship is remarkable in itself, so there is little expectation that he will win the tournament if he does decide to compete.

Golf fans are hoping that he has built up enough physical strength to stage his comeback in Augusta, so they can simply have the pleasure of once again watching him play.

The 86th Masters tees off on Thursday.