Augusta, Ga.; , Apr 5, 9BNA): Tigermania returned to the Augusta National in full force on Monday as Tiger Woods kept the golf world guessing if it would be in the Masters course.
Woods’ watch moved to top speed as legions of spectators flocked to the Augusta National to catch a glimpse of the 15-time main winner who kept fans in suspense, saying on Sunday that his participation in the Masters would be a “matchtime decision”.
While Woods didn’t reveal anything on Monday, fans won’t have to wait any longer to find out his decision with the 46-year-old scheduled to hold a press conference on Tuesday as well as publish first-round times on Thursday, Reuters reports.
After two years of COVID-19 restrictions limiting the number of spectators allowed onto the grounds, galleries are back as well as the unmistakable Augusta National fanfare amplified by the sight of Woods working the aisles.
The car crash that threatened 14 months ago to take Woods’ right leg and leave him in the hospital for three weeks and then confined to a hospital-type bed at home for three months seemed like a picture-perfect ordeal on Monday.
Playing nine holes during the afternoon alongside good friends Fred Coples and Justin Thomas, the relaxed Woods didn’t have the appearance of a man struggling to make a decision.
Instead, he had a sense of self-confidence for someone who made up his mind to be on the first tee on Thursday.
While Woods has been candid, one of his playing partners was sure of what would happen on Thursday.
“I hope it all goes on Tuesday and Wednesday and I’m sure it will be on Thursday,” said the couples. “It’s not shocking because he’s the greatest player to ever play.”
“If he can walk around here in 72 holes, he’ll argue. He’s too good.”
Woods has always maintained that he enters every event with a winning mentality and fellow golfers say not returning even from an injury-threatening career has changed that approach.
“It’s impressive that Tiger won’t play here unless he thinks he can win,” said three-time winner Padraig Harrington. “He won’t come to wave to the crowds.”
“He’s coming to try and win the championship.”
“It looks like he’s going to compete, and if he does, he’ll feel he can win, and that’s impressive.”
First Championship
If Woods, who was noticeably limping at the end of nine holes, commits to playing, it will be his first official tournament since defending his title at the 2020 Masters, which was held in November due to COVID-19.
As happy as Woods was to return to play, the fans were overwhelmed by the excitement on Monday.
Woods won another of his five green jackets in 2019.
On Mondays, they lined up the entire length of the trails and packed 10 to 15 deep around the greens, as the smiling forest captured the attention while the cheers reverberated through the Georgia pines.
“It’s history,” one fan shouted to the other, as calls of “Go Tiger, Go Tiger” followed.
Nor did his rivals write off Woods’ participation or even his sixth green jacket victory.
“I learned a long time ago not to doubt the man,” said Australian Adam Scott, the 2013 Masters champion. “It’s exciting that there is a possibility that he will play this week.”
“I really hope he does. I think no matter what it’s going to be, it’s just going to be epic.”
(Steve Keating reports in Augusta). Editing by Ken Ferris and Chris Reese