The year was 1997, and it was Tiger Woods‘s third Masters, first as a pro. After missing the cut in 1996 at Augusta, Woods had a lot riding on it. He knew it. Obviously! After all, he won by 12 strokes and set two records. First, he became the youngest Green Jacket winner at 21 years, 104 days old, and won by the highest margin. Then, in 2001, came his second Augusta win. With yet another record. The Tiger Slam. It was the first time in modern golf that a golfer had won four majors in a row. Third time is a charm, and if it comes with successfully defending your title, even better.

In 2002, Tiger Woods won at Augusta for the third time, and it was yet again historic. He again won by 12 strokes, defeating Retief Goosen. This also marked the third title defense at the Masters. Now, it was 2005. Woods has already established himself as a force to be reckoned with, and he hits the most impressive and iconic shot of his career. It was a chip-in on the 16th hole in the final round.

After the tee shot, Woods’s ball was on the left side of the green, just 16 feet away from the cup. He punched his ball well to the left of the pin and watched it slowly roll down the slope towards the cup. For a moment, it looked like the ball might come up just short, but another half-rotation gave the shot just enough to roll off and land into the hole. Woods was ecstatic, as he pumped both his arms in celebration. He won on the first hole of a playoff with Chris DiMarco. Then in 2019, after a 5-year drought of winning a major, Woods did it again at Augusta, becoming the second oldest Masters winner at 43. Woods’s legacy at the Masters is clearly unmatched.

In 2024, Woods broke the record for most consecutive cuts made at Augusta with his 23rd cut. This year, too, fans were expecting to see him make his 24th consecutive cut, but to their disappointment, that will not be happening.

Unfortunately, Woods won’t be part of the Masters field this year because of his recent Achilles tendon rupture. The absence surely leaves a Tiger-shaped void in the prestigious event. Tournament officials at Augusta National have confirmed what medical experts predicted. Tiger Woods’s name no longer appears on the official Masters field list. This absence comes directly after his March 11th surgery announcement.

Woods ruptured his left Achilles tendon during home training. The injury required immediate surgical intervention. Dr. Charlton Stucken performed a “minimally invasive” procedure at the Hospital for Special Surgery. Though successful, the surgery’s timing made Masters’ participation physiologically impossible. This setback continues a difficult chapter in Woods’s career. Since his near-fatal accident in 2021, Woods has not competed in a full Tour season.

Woods’s absence from the Masters carries significant historical implications. It interrupts his streak of 24 consecutive Masters cuts. That record-setting achievement now pauses alongside his pursuit of a sixth green jacket. Augusta National will miss the electricity Woods brings to the tournament’s atmosphere.

When can Tiger Woods tee off next?

Medical experts paint a sobering timeline for Woods’s recovery. Achilles tendon ruptures typically require 4-6 months for baseline healing. Athletes often need longer to regain sport-specific strength and mobility. Dr. Daniel Bohl, an orthopedic surgeon specializing in Achilles repairs, provides insight into Woods’s rehabilitation journey.

“Even with minimally invasive techniques, competitive athletes typically need 5-6 months before returning to play,” Dr. Bohl explained. “Full recovery can take up to 12 months, especially for explosive movements like a golf swing.”

The initial rehabilitation focuses on strict weight-bearing restrictions. These typically last 4-6 weeks post-surgery. Progressive loading and proprioceptive training follow this period. For professional golfers, the recovery pathway presents unique challenges. Golf’s rotational forces place significant stress on the Achilles tendon.

Physical therapists recommend a cautious return protocol for professional golfers. Chipping and putting might resume around three months post-surgery. Full swings typically begin at 5-6 months. Woods’s age (49) and extensive injury history further complicate this timeline. His recovery may progress more slowly than that of younger athletes without prior injuries.

Bernhard Langer’s 2024 Achilles tear offers a limited comparison. Langer returned to competition within three months using an advanced “speed bridge” technique. However, his partial tear differs fundamentally from Woods’ complete rupture. The senior tour’s reduced physical demands also contrast with the PGA Tour’s rigors.

Woods’s comeback hopes are now likely to shift to later events. The U.S. Open (June) and the Open Championship (July) fall within his recovery window. Even these appearances would require accelerated healing. The 2025 Hero World Challenge in December presents a more realistic target for his return.

The Masters will undoubtedly miss Woods’s presence, yet golf’s grandest stage will be ready to welcome the other best golfers sport has to offer.