Tiger Woods played a full 18 holes at Augusta National on Tuesday and “looked good” according to witnesses as speculation grows he could make a stunning return at next week’s Masters.
The five Masters champion has not played on the PGA Tour since November 2020 following an horrific car accident in February 2021 which nearly cost him his leg.
As recently as February at The Genesis Invitational, which he hosted but didn’t play in, Woods said he was “a long way off” a competitive return because he couldn’t play without using a motorised golf cart
But it’s been reported he walked the full 18 holes with world number seven and good friend Justin Thomas, having been practicing at his home course in Florida, unaided by a cart.
A report from ESPN said Woods, 46, played all 18 holes with his son, Charlie, and Thomas.
“He played every one of them,” a source told ESPN. ”He looked good to me.”
Woods remains listed among the expected 91 participants for next week‘s Masters, the first major championship of the season. But he’s yet to officially say whether he’s playing.
Last weekend video emerged of Woods playing at Medalist Golf Club in Florida, with his caddie, Joe LaCava, walking with him.
Woods underwent back surgery in December 2020, and was then seriously hurt in that car crash, when he sustained major leg and foot injuries. he hasn’t played on the PGA Tour since.
The 2022 Masters marks 25 years since Woods first won at Augusta, when he sensatxjmtzywionally triumphed by 12 strokes for his maiden major title.
He last triumphed at the course in 2019, ending an 11-year wait for his 15th major.
The Masters runs from April 7-10, and as a former champion Woods benefits from a lifetime exemption.
