He's back! Tiger Woods to compete in the Masters

Augusta, Georgia – Tiger Woods confirmed his plans to compete in the 86th Masters less than 14 months after suffering serious injuries from a horrific car accident in February 2021.

Tiger Woods says he'll play in the 86th Masters, which tees off on Thursday.
Tiger Woods says he'll play in the 86th Masters, which tees off on Thursday.  © Collage: IMAGO/UPI Photo & Icon SMI

The 46-year-old, who competed in the PNC Championship with his son Charlie in December 2021, played a practice round at Augusta National Golf Club last week and nine holes on both Sunday and Monday.

"As of right now I feel like I am going to play," Woods said in his pre-tournament press conference. When asked if he thought he could win a 16th major title this week, Woods responded, "I do."

The five-time Masters winner has not competed in a top-level event since the 2020 Masters.

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Woods said he had been driven by his desire to compete and win again.

"I feel like if I can still compete at the highest level I am going to, but if I feel like I can’t, you won’t see me out here," Woods said, adding, "I don’t show up to an event unless I think I can win it."

The golfer recovered from spinal fusion surgery in 2017, and won his fifth Masters title two years later. In November 2020, Woods finished in 38th place, and missed the 2021 Masters due to his near-fatal car accident.

"The fact that I was able to get myself here at this point was a success and now that I am playing, everything is focused on getting in that position on the back nine on Sunday with a chance like I did a few years ago," Woods said.

He continued, "I feel like I can still do it. I still have the hands to do it, the body is moving good enough. I have been in worse situations and won tournaments."

Cover photo: Collage: IMAGO/UPI Photo & Icon SMI

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