Is 15-time major champion Tiger Woods set for return to action at the Masters?

Tiger Woods has increased speculation about a possible return to action in the Masters by playing a practice round at Augusta National.

The 15-time major winner has not competed in a top-level event since requiring surgery on open fractures to his lower right leg and further injuries to his foot and ankle following an horrific car crash in Los Angeles on February 23, 2021.

Here, the PA news agency looks at the questions surrounding what could prove a timely return.

27 years at Augusta. 26 years as a professional.25 years as Masters champion.Immeasurable impact.

Congratulations, @TigerWoods, on your Hall of Fame career. pic.twitter.com/Pj81AHerVX

— The Masters (@TheMasters) March 9, 2022

Social media was a hive of activity and speculation when what is thought to be Woods’ private jet was tracked on its journey from Florida to Augusta’s small regional airport. Masters officials did not respond to a request for confirmation that Woods was at Augusta National, but Woods was reported to have played all 18 holes alongside his son Charlie and good friend Justin Thomas. “He played every one of them,” a source told ESPN. “He looked good to me.”

Next generation @PNCchampionship pic.twitter.com/Yi9gsHvOL8

— Henrik Stenson (@henrikstenson) December 18, 2021

Not necessarily. While it was remarkable that Woods was able to play in the PNC Championship with Charlie in December, the parent-child event was only played over 36 holes on a flat course, while Woods was allowed to use a golf cart and the scramble format meant he could choose not to hit certain shots. Walking 18 holes a day, for several days in a row, around an undulating course like Augusta National is a different story.

Speaking on February 16 at a press conference ahead of