Tiger Woods looked 'phenomenal' in practice round at Augusta, Fred Couples says

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Golfer Fred Couples is optimistic about Tiger Woods competing in the 2022 Masters this week, saying he looked "phenomenal" during his practice round Monday. 

Woods has been the center of attention at Augusta National Golf Club as speculation continues to grow about the five-time champion making his epic return to the Masters. On Monday, he played in a practice round with Couples, the 1992 Masters champion, and Justin Thomas, the 2017 PGA champion. 

"He looked phenomenal," Couples said of Woods, via ESPN. "What impressed me the most is he was bombing it. I know JT's not the longest hitter on tour, but I know he's damn long. He was with him, flushing it."

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Fred Couples watches as Tiger Woods tees off on the second hole during a practice round for the Masters golf tournament on Monday, April 4, 2022, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)

"I hope everything keeps going Tuesday and Wednesday, and I'm sure he's going to tee it up Thursday," Couples added.

During the practice round, Woods hit five of seven fairways and five of nine greens, and appeared to show no visible signs of pain, Couples said. Though Woods reportedly walked with a slight limp. 

"He's kind of a tough guy," Couples said. "He's never going to let you know he's in pain. He looked good walking. You can always be in pain, but to hit it like that, now it's just the walking part. If he can walk around here for 72 holes, he'll contend. He's too good."

Woods has yet to play in a competitive PGA Tour event since he suffered traumatic leg injuries in a single-car accident in late February 2021. Woods was recovering from a fifth