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Tiger Woods

• Woods set to end self-imposed exile at Augusta
• Former world No.1 has not played since start of Feb
• ‘I’ve worked a lot on my game’ says 39-year-old

TIGER WOODS


After weeks of speculation, Tiger Woods has confirmed this evening that he WILL play in the first men’s major the season, the Masters Tournament, taking place next week at Augusta National.

In a brief statement published on his website, the 14-time major winner signaled his intention to compete for a fifth ‘Green Jacket’.

“I’m playing in the Masters,” wrote Woods. “It’s obviously very important to me, and I want to be there.

“I’ve worked a lot on my game and I’m looking forward to competing. I’m excited to get to Augusta and I appreciate everyone’s support.”

The former world No.1 – who, earlier this week, slipped to 104th on the OWGR – has been on a self-imposed exile from the sport after a terrible start to the year.

Indeed, Woods’ last competitive appearance was at the Farmers Insurance Open on February 5, where he withdrew after 11 holes of his first round. That came a week after he missed the cut in his first event of 2015, the Waste Management Phoenix Open. The 39-year-old fired the worst 18-hole score of his career, an 82, as he failed to make it to the weekend at TPC Scottsdale.

After that inglorious start to 2015, Woods announced on February 12 that he was taking a break from the tour to resolve issues in his game, his chipping and short game in particular.

Although the most recent of Woods’ four Masters victories came exactly ten years ago, he has an excellent record at Augusta.

Acknowledging that his recent performances were ‘not acceptable for tournament golf’, he wrote: “I enter a tournament to compete at the highest level, and when I think I’m ready, I’ll be back.”

He subsequently missed the WGC-Cadillac Championship and Arnold Palmer Invitational, raising serious doubts as to whether or not he would tee it up at Augusta.

Those fears were allayed somewhat earlier this week when he arrived in Georgia on his private jet to play 18 holes around the famous Georgia course. After reportedly shooting a 74, he returned today for more practice before confirming his participation in the tournament.

Although the most recent of Woods’ four Masters victories came exactly ten years ago, he has an excellent record at Augusta. Between 2006 and 2011 he never finished worse than sixth. In 2012, he had his worst finish there as a professional – tying for 40th – before bouncing back in 2013 to finish in a tie for fourth.He missed last year’s tournament through injury.

Tiger Woods at the Masters :: How will he do?

How do you think Tiger Woods will fare in next week’s Masters Tournament? Leave your thoughts in our ‘Comments’ section below.

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Michael McEwan is the Deputy Editor of bunkered and has been part of the team since 2004. In that time, he has interviewed almost every major figure within the sport, from Jack Nicklaus, to Rory McIlroy, to Donald Trump. The host of the multi award-winning bunkered Podcast and a member of Balfron Golfing Society, Michael is the author of three books and is the 2023 PPA Scotland 'Writer of the Year' and 'Columnist of the Year'. Dislikes white belts, yellow balls and iron headcovers. Likes being drawn out of the media ballot to play Augusta National.

Deputy Editor

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