Tiger Woods adds to rumors of Masters return

Could a Tiger Woods return be on the horizon? It’s sure appearing that way.

Sports Illustrated’s Bob Harig reported Woods practiced at Augusta National Golf Club on Tuesday with his son, Charlie, and world No. 7 Justin Thomas, more than a week before the Masters April 7-10. The PGA Tour also tweeted Woods was practicing at Augusta.

If he plays — and this is an encouraging sign — it’d mark his first official PGA Tour appearance since the 2020 Masters, which were held in November due to COVID-19.

Woods suffered severe leg injuries in a car accident in February 2021 and fears were he’d never play competitively again. However, in the 13 months since the crash, he’s posted videos hitting balls at the driving range and he even played in the PNC Championship in December 2021 alongside Charlie. He rode in a cart for that event, just 10 months after his accident. Team Woods finished second in the event behind Team Daly, comprised of John Daly and his son, John Daly II.

Now, with the Masters just over a week away, the question is now if Woods will play in golf’s first major. He won the event in 2019 — his fifth green jacket.

More on Tiger Woods, The Masters

In his decorated career, Woods has won 15 majors, including four PGA Championships along with his five Masters titles. He was also inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame earlier this month.

As The Masters get closer, Hideki Matsuyama is looking to defend his title as Masters champion. He won last year’s event as it shifted back to its normal April dates after moving to November in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

But getting Woods back in the tournament field would add plenty more storylines to the event, which is a sight to behold to begin with. There are still nine days until the first tee times, but the hype is building — and Tiger Watch is on.