Tiger Woods will feature at Augusta for the 25th and potentially last time in his iconic career this week.
Woods, 47, has been drawn with Viktor Hovland and Xander Schauffele for the first two rounds, and will get his bid underway at 3.18pm UK time on Thursday. His appearance comes 12 months after his remarkable return to the same event, following the high speed car crash in February 2021 that left him with multiple leg fractures.
The American's name has always been synonymous with the Masters, exploding onto the scene with his first major win at the tournament in 1997. He went on to capture three more green jackets in the eight years that followed, before his famous 2019 victory which ended a run of 11 years without a major title.
And in his press conference this week, Woods made no guarantees as to whether he will be back in 2024: "I don't know how many more I have in me," he told reporters. "Just to be able to appreciate the time and cherish the memories.
"I'm very lucky to have the leg. Mobility and endurance - going forward it will never be the same. I can't prepare and play as many tournaments as I'd like but that's ok and I'm ok with it."
Indeed, the 15-time major champion has managed his workload carefully since defying the odds to make the cut at the Masters last year. He went on to appear in the US PGA Championship and then The Open in 2023, where despite missing the cut he was afforded a standing ovation on his final hole at St Andrew's.
But this time around, Woods had arrived amid much background noise, having taken up a lead role in the the ongoing civil war between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf. He's formed a bond with Rory McIlroy over the divisive issue, and this week backed his friend to win the Masters and complete a much coveted career Slam.
He's also another legal issue hovering over his head, with former girlfriend Erica Herman reportedly taking him to court in a bid to break a non-disclosure agreement surrounding their split. But Woods insisted he was only focused on performing well this week, amid his new-found appreciation for being able to compete again in the sport.
"To be able to come here and play at Augusta National, it's such a special place," he added. "It means so much to me in my heart to be able to play this golf course. Just to appreciate the memories I've had here, whether it's in competition, practice rounds - so much of my life has been here at Augusta National."
