It’s been a while since we saw Tiger Woods in action. The returning legend featured in the Genesis Open last month, where he finished tied for 45th place. But he made a no-show at the Players Championship last weekend. However, it turns out that the 15-time major championship winner was playing golf somewhere else.
Tiger Woods practices at Augusta National
As reported by media outlets, Woods made a visit to the beautiful Augusta National Golf Club last week. It is a regular custom for golfers to practice on the course ahead of the Masters Tournament, which starts on April 6. However, only a few select can take up the privilege, which included past winners at the event.
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Thankfully, Woods has five Green Jackets at his home. Statistically, the Masters Tournament remains his favorite major championship, having won it more than any other.
But the 47-year-old’s decision to visit the course instead of participating in the Players Championship raises concerns. Woods reportedly practiced on Thursday, the same day when the PGA Tour’s flagship event commenced.
🚨JUST IN: Tiger Woods played Augusta National last Thursday as The Masters approaches, @BobHarig reports.
— TWLEGION (@TWlegion) March 14, 2023
Woods made an appearance at the 2022 Masters despite suffering a near-fatal car accident earlier that year. He also paid a visit to the course before the last edition began, playing a round with his son, Charlie. However, the whereabouts of his playing partner this year remained unknown.
Tiger wasn't ready for the Players Championship, but he did get in a visit to Augusta National in advance of the Masters. https://t.co/ksDfl9EVu9
— Bob Harig (@BobHarig) March 14, 2023
As always, fans were quick to take notice of Woods’ visit to Augusta. While some praised the golfer for his plan of action, others were critical of him missing the Players Championship. Here’s a selection of those tweets.
Pretty sure Tiger can get a tee time just about anytime 🤷♂️
— Skitty (@rockpilemafia) March 15, 2023
Bob, do we know if Tiger walked or used a cart?
— Andrew Avakian (@avakattack) March 14, 2023
I thought Augusta was denying LIV golfers practice rounds?
— Mr Stock trader/golfer (@StocksNgolf300) March 14, 2023
So he could have played in the Players then… 🤔
— John Ziegler (@Zigmanfreud) March 14, 2023
Now think passing on The Players may have been wise decision. No way Tiger’s body would have been ready to compete seriously at The Masters. Also gets in low key practice round while most golfers in Ponte Vedra.
— Andrew Avakian (@avakattack) March 14, 2023
This is the place for another comeback 🐐🐅
— Rafael Ochoa (@rafa8av) March 15, 2023
If he’s ever to win another major it will be here
— Darthdisney (@Darthdisney1977) March 15, 2023
We're getting closer!
— Jacob A Tobias (@JacobA61617) March 15, 2023
LFG!!!!
— Matt Davis (@mattdavissssss) March 14, 2023
Dope
— Kyle Mac (@Kmaccity) March 15, 2023
No more flight tracker but glad he went up.
— Hawk (@Hawk76056396) March 14, 2023
yeah that is expected
— Stephen Esch (@esch_stephen) March 15, 2023
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Can Woods clinch this year’s Masters Tournament?
The celebrated golfer is in the twilight of his professional career, with nagging injuries setting him back. Woods himself admitted to hand-picking events and revealed he won’t be able to play to the full schedule ever again.
“My intent last year was to play in all four majors, I got three of the four. Hopefully, this year I can get all four and maybe sprinkle in a few here and there,” he said after his Genesis Open endeavors.
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Watch This Story- Tiger Woods Remembers His ‘Pops’ Earl Woods, While Revealing Insane TGR Venture: ‘Players to Enjoy With Their Kids’
Woods has 15 major championships in his career, which remains three off the record. He played in the tournament last year and battled hard for a decent 47th-place finish. Unfortunately, he faded away in the latter stages of the event, shooting a pair of 78s that led to a drop in his ranking.