Woods defies the odds with Masters return

TSN Senior Reporter

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AUGUSTA, Ga. -- A little less than 14 months after his vehicle went off the road and tumbled down a hillside leaving him seriously injured, Tiger Woods is set to play the Masters.

“As of right now, I feel like I am going to play,” stated the five-time winner of the Green Jacket at a press conference on Tuesday.

While he still left a little wiggle room to remove himself from the draw at the last minute, his intent was clear – he wants to play.

It’s a miraculous recovery that seemed unlikely just a few weeks ago when he spoke to the media at the Genesis Invitational, downplaying the likelihood of a return.

It has been a long road back for Woods. Hours after the crash that occurred on February 23, 2021, doctors considered removing his right leg due to the severity of his injuries. He spent the first three months of recovery in a hospital bed, moving to a wheelchair and then crutches.

That he’s able to walk is a minor miracle. That he can swing a club and walk a possible 72 holes is almost magical. But clearly this date was a target for his return, to play in a tournament he loves more than any other.

Woods visited Augusta National last week and played 18 holes alongside his son, Charlie, testing his physical capabilities on one of the most difficult walking courses in golf. He logged two more nines, one Sunday and the second on Monday, ahead of the tournament. On Tuesday, he just practiced. He announced a plan to play the back nine again on Wednesday, weather permitting.

All this work isn’t just about him playing again, it’s about him competing. He wants to do more than just be a ceremonial place-holder, he wants to be competitive. And he still believes he can win.

“You know, 72 holes