Tiger Woods is included in the roster of players for The Masters tournament scheduled later this month. However, a close associate of the 15-time major champion has expressed worries about the physical demands of completing 72 holes over the course of four days.
Since his significant automobile accident in 2021, where he had major leg injuries, Woods has faced numerous health issues as he strives to stay competitive.
He is attempting to develop a plan and method that he can operate within, considering the limitations that he has been given. “And he has certain limitations,” stated Woods’ associate Notah Begay III during a conference call on Wednesday, as reported by USA Today.
“He has no mobility in his left ankle and is currently experiencing low-back issues, which he was aware would happen.”
CNN has contacted Woods’ representatives to get a comment.
After the vehicle accident that occurred three years ago, Woods underwent an ankle fusion surgery in 2023. Subsequently, he acknowledged that his recuperation had a negative impact.
“It’s six months of inactivity,” Woods pondered. “That is the difficult aspect.” The initial months were exceedingly challenging.
Due to the severity of his ailments, the 15-time major winner has opted to wear FootJoy shoes to provide extra support for his ankle.
The confirmation of Woods’ participation in the upcoming Masters tournament remains uncertain. However, Begay is confident that if Woods is in good health, he will exert every effort to compete.
As reported by Sports Illustrated, Woods recently participated in a game at Augusta National alongside his friend and fellow PGA Tour player Justin Thomas, as well as the chairman of the club, Fred Ridley.
“Over the past few months, he has been endeavoring to find a means of recuperation,” Begay stated. “He is capable of playing golf.” From the beginning, it was clear that the question would be whether or not he could complete all 72 holes by walking. That is still uncertain or undecided. However, is he capable of recuperating between consecutive rounds?
“The most significant question, which I am uncertain about and he will also remain uncertain until he actually competes and determines if his preparation for this year’s Masters will be effective for him.”
Begay, who shared a living space with Woods while attending Stanford University, triumphed in four PGA Tour competitions prior to turning 28 and accomplished the remarkable feat of scoring a 59 in a professional golf event. Unfortunately, his aspirations of further capitalizing on his first success were dashed by a severe back injury.
Successfully completing 23 consecutive starts
In his infrequent competitive outings in recent years, the 48-year-old has given priority to participating in the four major championships.
Woods debuted on the PGA Tour this year in February at the Genesis Invitational, an event that he himself organizes. Nevertheless, the period of return was short-lived.
Following his acknowledgment of experiencing back spasms in the first round, Woods decided to withdraw from the second round, citing his battle with influenza as the reason.
The Masters, a tournament that Woods has triumphed in five times, commences on Thursday, April 11 at Augusta National. If he participates in the competition, it will mark his 26th presence at Augusta.
Woods participated in the previous year’s Masters tournament but had to quit before the third round due to an injury.
Jack Nicklaus, a renowned golfer, has the record for winning six green jackets. As per the PGA Tour, Woods has successfully qualified for the next stage in 23 consecutive appearances at Augusta, a feat that he shares with Fred Couples and Gary Player.