Woods sets stage for another storybook Masters comeback

AUGUSTA :Tiger Woods ended the suspense on Tuesday saying he will play the Masters just 14 months after a car crash that nearly resulted in doctors amputating his right leg, setting the stage for what could go down as one of sport's greatest comebacks.

In a career already packed with remarkable comebacks, this week at Augusta National could be the scene of something extraordinary, with Woods saying he will not only play the Masters but that he can win a sixth Green Jacket.

Woods had teased on Sunday that playing in the year's first major would be a "game-time" decision and after a morning on the practice range, he walked into the media centre and delivered the news golf fans had been waiting to hear.

"As of right now, I feel like I am going to play," Woods said during his pre-tournament news conference. "I don't show up to an event unless I think I can win it.

"I love competing, and I feel like if I can still compete at the highest level, I'm going to and if I feel like I can still win, I'm going to play."

Woods has not competed on the PGA Tour since the November 2020 Masters and cast serious doubt on his professional golfing future after suffering serious leg injuries in a February 2021 car crash.

The 46-year-old played a practice round on Monday and after nine holes was noticeably limping as he made his way up to the ninth green.

By all accounts Woods' game is in good shape, with the bigger question being how well his damaged leg will hold up over a potential four rounds on the undulating Augusta National layout, which is one of the more demanding tracks on the PGA Tour.

"You know, 72 holes is a long road, and it's going to be a tough challenge and a challenge that I'm up for," assured Woods. "There is (pain) each and every