Tiger Woods could leave his decision over whether to play at this week’s Masters as late as Thursday morning.
Woods practised at Augusta for the second time in six days on Sunday as he mulls over his form and fitness before deciding on playing his first official ranking event in 18 months.
That last appearance was at the Covid-delayed Masters in November 2020. He has since played with his son Charlie at the PNC Championship in December and has also been seen playing practice rounds in recent days at both Medalist Golf Club and Augusta.
The 46-year-old is expected to discuss in detail the prospects of him playing at the Masters, where he is a five-time winner, most recently back in 2019, at a press conference to be held at 4pm BST on Tuesday.
But he has been told he can leave a final decision until just a few hours before teeing off for the opening round.
Fellow American Billy Horschel, who watched Woods at close quarters as he hit balls on Sunday, predicted the 15-time Major champion would be in the field come Thursday.
“He looked like the Tiger we saw before the accident, the way the swing looked and the speed,” said Horschel, a six-time PGA Tour winner. “For him to hopefully be playing, which I think he is, I think we’re all giddy about it.”
Woods has been the talk of the tour since news of his practice round last Tuesday emerged. On Sunday, before travelling back there for another practice round, he had written on social media: “I will be heading up to Augusta today to continue my preparation and practice. It will be a game-time decision on whether I compete.”
I will be heading up to Augusta today to continue my preparation and practice. It will be a game-time decision on whether I compete. Congratulations to 16-year-old Anna Davis on an amazing win at the @anwagolf and good luck to all the kids in the @DriveChipPutt.
— Tiger Woods (@TigerWoods) April 3, 2022
It would be a fitting place and time to return on what would be the 25th anniversary of his first Major victory at the Masters, donning the Green Jacket after winning by 12 strokes from Tom Kite.
There has been ongoing conjecture over whether Woods would ever play competitive golf again following his high-speed car accident in February last year, which left him with open fractures to his right leg.
Police officers at the scene said at the time he was lucky to be alive and the player later revealed doctors had considered amputating his leg during surgery.
In his absence from the Tour, Woods has dropped to 994th in the world rankings.
