Tiger Woods says he still has a chance to win the Masters even though his mobility isn’t where he would like it to be.
Only Jack Nicklaus, who in 2019 overcame back surgery to carry off one of the sport’s greatest comebacks, has more Green Jacket titles (6) than Tiger Woods (5).
Woods finished 47th last year, 14 months after making his professional golf comeback following a high-speed car accident.
Ahead of the 2023 Masters Tournament which will kick off on April 6 at Augusta National, Georgia, the 47-year-old American golfer said, “Whether I am a threat or not who knows.
“People probably didn’t think I was a threat in 2019 either but that turned out OK. Before my back fusion, I didn’t know if I was ever going to play the game at any kind of level.
“I was able to do that and come back and play and I happened to win a major along the way and with the accident, it has been a tough road.”
Tiger Woods is the seventh golfer to win the Masters Tournament twice at Augusta National in 2001 and 2002.
One of the most famous shots in the tournament history, his chip-in on the par-three 16th in 2005, served as additional proof of his spectacular accomplishment.
Two years after suffering significant back surgery, his victory in 2019 defied the odds as he completed an 11-year wait to win a 15th major.
The seriousness of the injuries he experienced in 2021 and their long-term effects, had caused him to contemplate that the 87th edition of the Masters Tournament might be his final Masters.
However, Tiger Woods is happy with his progress after his most recent appearance at the Genesis Invitational in February, where he finished 45th, despite being conscious that his right leg’s condition limits how he plays and practices.
“Last year I didn’t know if I was going to play again and for some reason, everything came together and I made the cut which was nice,” he said.
“I didn’t win the tournament but for me to come back and play was a small victory in itself. I still would have liked to have got the W (win) but I think I have got my own smaller version of that in just being able to come back and play.
“I don’t know how many more I have in me so I just have to be able to appreciate the time I have here and cherish the memories.”
Tiger Wood added, “I’m very lucky to have this leg; it’s mine. Yes, it has been altered and there’s some hardware in there, but it’s still mine. The ability and endurance of what my leg will do going forward will never be the same. I understand that.
“That’s why I can’t prepare and play as many tournaments as I like, but that’s my future, and that’s OK.”
