Roar! Tiger Woods to play ‘as of right now’ in 2022 Masters 1 year after car accident
A previously pained predator is planning to be back on the prowl.
Five-time Masters champion Tiger Woods said at a Tuesday press conference that he’s anticipating a return to Masters competition this week at Augusta National, more than a year after he was severely injured in a car accident near Los Angeles in February 2021.
“As of right now, I feel like I am going to play,” Woods said.
The former world No. 1 was spotted at Augusta National Golf Club last week playing practice rounds in an attempt to gauge his health. Woods also played in practice rounds on Sunday and Monday as crowds returned in full force.
“He drove it really, really well, so that’s the first battle,” said Fred Couples, who played with Woods on Monday afternoon. “And then the pins, believe it or not, were in not very fun spots. A lot of them were on slopes. We just stayed away from those. He didn’t putt much, but it’s Tiger Woods. He knows how to putt, he knows how to play this course.”
The 15-time major champion had spent the previous 14 months recovering from injuries sustained during the crash. Those included comminuted open fractures to the tibia and fibula in his right leg — meaning both bones broke into at least three pieces and pierced his skin. He also suffered varying foot and ankle injuries.
Woods ranks among the greatest golfers of all time, but has struggled with varying injuries and off the course issues over the last decade-plus of his career.
He was involved in a single-car crash in 2009 that later led to slews of reports accusing Woods extra-marital affairs. He later admitted to the affairs in a public apology.
Woods announced a “indefinite leave” from golf in December of that year, eventually returning to competition at the 2010 Masters. He and his then-wife Elin Nordegren finalized their divorce in August 2010.
Achilles and back injuries plagued Woods over the next handful of seasons after his initial car crash. He underwent four surgeries on his back, including a spinal fusion in 2017. He healed fully from the procedure and captivated audiences with his triumphant win at the 2019 Masters.
That victory at Augusta marked Woods’ first major championship since downing Rocco Mediate in an iconic playoff at the 2008 U.S. Open.
“As a fan, I love it. I think it’s awesome,” 2019 Masters runner-up Brooks Koepka said in the immediate aftermath of the tournament. “I’m glad he’s back. You finish in second place, and you’re pretty bummed out, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. He’s just good, man. I don’t know what to say.”
Woods heads into the week as a 15-time major winner and a five-time Masters champion, both of which rank second all-time behind only Jack Nicklaus. Walter Hagen is the next-closest on the all-time major titles list with 11 wins.
Prior to his victory in 2019, Woods hadn’t taken home the ceremonial green jacket since 2005. He did finish T6 or better at the Masters every year but one between 2006 and 2013. Woods didn’t play the event in 2014, 2016 or 2017. He finished tied for 38th at the 2020 Masters, his last appearance at the tournament.
Masters TV coverage
▪ Thursday: 3-7:30 pm, ESPN
▪ Friday: 3-7:30 pm, ESPN
▪ Saturday: 3-7 pm, CBS
▪ Sunday: 2-7 pm, CBS
This story was originally published April 5, 2022 at 11:39 AM.
