Tiger Woods Listed for The Masters with Concerns Over 72-Hole Challenge

Tiger Woods is set to participate in The Masters later this month. However, a close friend of the 15-time major champion has expressed concerns about the physical toll of playing 72 holes over four days.

Since his serious car accident in 2021 that resulted in severe leg injuries, Woods has been dealing with various health issues as he strives to stay competitive.

Woods' friend Notah Begay III mentioned in a conference call on Wednesday that Tiger is working on developing a strategy to work within the constraints he is facing. One of the main constraints is his lack of mobility in his left ankle and ongoing low-back issues. Tiger was aware that these challenges would arise.

Woods’ representatives have been contacted by CNN for a comment.

After the car crash three years ago, Woods underwent ankle fusion surgery in 2023. He later acknowledged that his recovery was challenging.

Reflecting on his recovery, Woods shared, "It's been six months of doing nothing. That's the hard part. The first couple of months were really rough." Due to the extent of his injuries, the 15-time major champion has made the switch to FootJoy shoes for added ankle support.

Begay believes Woods will do everything he can to play at next week's Masters if he is healthy enough. According to Sports Illustrated, Woods recently played at Augusta National with his friend Justin Thomas and club chairman Fred Ridley.

"He's been working hard to bounce back for the past few months," Begay shared. "He's still got his golf game, but the real challenge is whether he can walk the full 72 holes. The big unknown is how well he can recover after each round.

"We're all wondering if his preparation for the Masters will pay off. Only time on the course will tell us if he's ready."

Begay, who was Woods' roommate at Stanford University, had an impressive start to his golf career by winning four PGA Tour events before turning 28. He even accomplished the remarkable feat of scoring a round of 59 in a professional event, which is considered the "holy grail" of golf. Unfortunately, his dreams of further success were dashed by a serious back injury.

Despite facing challenges, Begay managed to make the cut in 23 consecutive starts, showcasing his resilience and determination on the golf course.

The 48-year-old has focused on participating in the four major championships during his sporadic competitive outings in recent years.

Woods kicked off his PGA Tour comeback this year in February at the Genesis Invitational, an event that he himself hosts. Unfortunately, his return was short-lived.

Woods withdrew from the second round of the Masters tournament, citing back spasms in the first round and dealing with influenza. He has won the Masters five times and is set to play in his 26th appearance at Augusta National starting on Thursday, April 11th.

Woods participated in the Masters last year but had to pull out due to an injury before the third round.

Golf legend Jack Nicklaus holds the record for winning six green jackets. The PGA Tour states that Woods has an impressive record of making the cut in 23 consecutive starts at Augusta, a record he shares with Fred Couples and Gary Player.

Editor's P/S:

Tiger Woods' determination to participate in The Masters, despite his ongoing health challenges, is both inspiring and concerning. His close friend Notah Begay III's comments highlight the physical toll that playing 72 holes over four days could take on Woods' body. Woods' ankle fusion surgery and low-back issues are significant limitations that he will need to manage carefully.

The article emphasizes Woods' resilience and his commitment to overcoming adversity. Having faced a serious car accident and multiple surgeries, his dedication to returning to competitive golf is commendable. However, it is important to prioritize Woods' long-term health and ensure that he does not exacerbate his injuries by pushing himself too hard. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not Woods is ready for The Masters will depend on his physical condition and his ability to recover adequately after each round.