Tiger Woods still unsure on Masters

Tiger Woods has said he still doesn’t know whether or not he will be fit enough to compete in the Masters, which gets underway at Augusta National in just over a fortnight’s time.

The world No.1 has been plagued by back problems in the early part of the season and was forced to sit out the Arnold Palmer Invitational last week, an event he has won eight times.

Reports last week suggested that Woods has been diagnosed by doctors with a bulging disc in his back, which can take anything from a few weeks to a few months to heal.

That has raised doubts as to whether or not the 14-time major winner will be fit enough to compete in the Masters, which gets underway on April 10.

Speaking yesterday at a press conference for his foundation, Woods admitted that it’s still too early to tell if he will be healthy enough to go for a fifth Green Jacket.

“As of right now, it’s still too soon. As I said, it’s very frustrating” – Tiger Woods

“For Augusta, it’s actually a little too soon to be honest with you,” said Woods. “That’s kind of the frustrating thing about this. I’ve had a couple weeks off getting treatment, just working on trying to get ready for Augusta. As of right now, it’s still too soon. As I said, it’s very frustrating. “

Tiger Woods has been an ever-present at Augusta National since he made his debut there in 1995, winning the low amateur honours. He won on his just his third appearance – and seventh major start in total – in 1997 and added further victories in 2001, 2002 and 2005.
He has finished in the top six in seven of the eight years since that last victory, and has only ever missed the cut in the tournament once, in 1996, whilst still an amateur.

Tiger Woods: Will he play at Augusta?

Will world No.1 Tiger Woods be fit enough to take his place in the field at Augusta National, or will he miss his first Masters in almost 20 years? Leave your thoughts in our ‘Comments’ section below.

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