Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods were both on the grounds of Augusta National on Tuesday.
Of course, just one has confirmed his attendance at the Masters next week.
Woods allegedly played an 18-hole practice round with son Charlie and Justin Thomas as he tested his game and conditioning ahead of the year’s first major while McIlroy was scouting some of the course’s modifications. Though he might wait until his Thursday tee time to make a statement, a decision on his Masters status could be made within the next two days.
“I think having Tiger there would be amazing for golf, for the Masters Tournament, and for everyone,” McIlroy said at the Valero Texas Open on Wednesday. “I believe it only adds to the occasion.” When Tiger Woods is there, everything he accomplishes in the game of golf is magnified. It would be fantastic if he could attend….
“He’s attempting to see what he can accomplish.” No one but him knows if he can turn things around and if he believes he can compete.”
Woods hasn’t competed in an official event since the 2020 Masters, which was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He missed the first half of 2021 while recovering from his sixth back surgery, and then he was involved in a car accident in February 2021, in which he received significant injuries to his right leg.
Woods has given few updates on his progress since playing with Charlie in the PNC Championship in December – a 36-hole scramble in which he rode a cart. He reiterated his intention to return to competition at the Genesis Invitational in February, but said he still had a “far way to go” in his recuperation and was “still working on the walking portion.”
According to ESPN.com, Woods played all 18 holes at Augusta National on Tuesday and “looked terrific,” according to an unnamed source.
If the 46-year-old Woods returns next week – or even in the near future – McIlroy believes it will be another spectacular chapter in his now-Hall of Fame career.
“It’s remarkable, the pure will and tenacity,” McIlroy remarked. “If he returns from this, he enjoys proving people incorrect.” I believe he enjoys proving himself incorrect. Regardless matter when he returns, he’s a fantastic addition to the game, and golf is a greater game when he’s playing and playing well.”
