Tiger Woods says “as of proper now I really feel like I'm going to play” within the Masters — and he thinks he can win it.
“I don’t have any qualms about what I can do,” he stated at a information convention, responding to a query about whether or not he can win the match.
The 15-time main champion has been away from aggressive golf for over a 12 months, having suffered critical leg accidents in a automotive crash in February 2021.
Tiger Woods’ potential teeing off on Thursday’s opening spherical of the 2022 Masters had golf ablaze with excitements.
Woods, 46, has been noticed enjoying just a few follow rounds at Augusta Nationwide, together with one on Monday, which has solely fueled rumors of a comeback.
One in all his enjoying companions appeared sure of what is going to occur on Thursday.
“I hope every little thing retains going Tuesday and Wednesday and I’m certain he’s going to tee it up Thursday,” Fred Couples advised reporters. “It’s not stunning as a result of he’s the best participant to ever play.”
“If he can stroll round right here in 72 holes, he’ll contend. He’s too good.”
And 2021 FedEx Cup champion Patrick Cantlay says Woods’ return is the “best factor” for golf.
“He’s an excellent instance of life’s not all the time excellent, and so it’s actually thrilling to see him on his highs,” he advised the media.
“And so I hope that he's in a position to tee it up this week and play effectively, and clearly that’s the best factor for our sport. There’s positively a distinct really feel in tournaments that he tees it up in.”
Within the automotive crash final 12 months in Los Angeles, Woods suffered comminuted open fractures that affected his proper tibia and fibula, that are the 2 lengthy bones straight beneath the knee.
He admitted in February this 12 months that he was “annoyed” together with his restoration and conceded he received’t be capable to play a full PGA Tour schedule once more.
Somebody who is aware of a factor or two about getting back from critical accidents is four-time main winner Brooks Koepka.
The 31-year-old has needed to endure his personal share of damage considerations, lacking sizeable time over latest years as a consequence of surgical procedure restoration and rehab.
And Koepka, who comes into the 2022 Masters as one of many favorites for the Inexperienced jacket, stated he understands what Woods is likely to be going by means of.
“I used to be in considerably of his sneakers attempting final 12 months two weeks after surgical procedure. This place isn’t precisely a simple stroll,” he advised the media. “I perceive what he’s up in opposition to. It’ll be troublesome. But when anyone can do it, it’s him.”
Koepka added: “I’m comfortable he’s changing into more healthy and in a position to play golf … we'd like him, the sport wants him, everyone wants him, the followers want him, all that stuff. However on the finish of the day everyone is simply out right here competing. I’m frightened about myself and I’m certain everyone else is frightened about themselves.”
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