The biggest question mark of this year’s Masters: can we look forward to Tiger Woods?

Fans are counting down the days until the start of the most prestigious golf event under the sun. They are also eagerly awaiting the start list, which still includes the biggest star Tiger Woods. Will we see the famous golfer back on the PGA circuit?

The chances of a spectacular comeback are about 50:50 at the moment. Tiger Woods is still on the starting list, which automatically includes all Masters champions. The forty-six-year-old golfer has captured the most famous tournament five times, most recently in 2019.

The fact that Tiger is on the start list just over a week before the tournament starts may not mean anything yet. Back in 2016 and 2017, he chose not to enter until the last weekend before the tournament.

The wait, however, probably indicates that Tiger will indeed be hesitant about his start until the last minute. The question, of course, is how the former world number one is doing health-wise in the first place.

After a nasty car accident last year, he made his first and last appearance on the course before Christmas 2021 at the PNC Championship exhibition tournament, walking alongside his 12-year-old son Charlie. But at that time, especially late in the tournament, it was evident that Tiger was in pain.

Unlike official tournaments for world ranking points, Woods was able to mount the buggy when moving between holes. But that won’t work at the Masters. Still, he and his son finished second at the Orlando tournament.

Even there, Tiger said he’ll probably never return to golf at the top level, and instead of more tournaments, he’ll probably choose just a few. Although the Masters seems like the perfect place for a big comeback, it’s already clear up front that Tiger won’t want to rush anything.

Will the former champion be ready to go around and play a long 18-hole course that involves several hours a day of activity on his feet? Maybe so, although he might have to lower his expectations. No one says he has to automatically attack the title. Tiger Woods’ participation alone would be a big event for golf fans.

Tiger Woods is currently ranked 944th in the world rankings. But that’s not quite the lowest position he’s ever been in his career. His lowest ranking was in 2017 at 1299th. The famous Masters at Augusta National Golf Club will take place from April 7-10, 2022.

Source: PGA Tour