Tiger Woods could also be woefully in need of match apply heading into the 87th Masters, however he has a secret weapon he can depend on — his deep information of the intricacies of Augusta Nationwide Golf Membership.
A win on Sunday would put the five-time champion on a par with Jack Nicklaus because the winningest Masters participant, and likewise make him the oldest winner at 47. The document stands within the title of Nicklaus, who was 46 when he gained in 1986.
Woods final gained right here in miraculous style in 2019 after a collection of surgical procedures on his again and knees. He was taking part in extra repeatedly then and had additionally gained the 2018 Tour Championship. Since his horrible automobile accident in Los Angeles in February 2021, Woods has performed solely 4 instances. The Masters final 12 months was his comeback, and he did remarkably effectively to make the lower.
On Tuesday, Woods stated: “Quite a lot of it has been understanding the golf course, and I do know this course. So, I’ve been in a position to recreate lots of the chip photographs at dwelling in my yard or when I’m at Medalist (his dwelling membership) hitting balls, attempting to simulate photographs and rehearsing many times every flag location, and each shot I might hit.
“I’ve gone via so many various eventualities in my head. I don’t sleep very effectively, so going via it and rummaging via the info financial institution and the right way to hit photographs from every place and rehearsing it; that’s the one means I can compete right here. I don’t have the bodily tournaments below my belt. But when there’s anyone golf course that I can come again, like I did final 12 months, it’s right here.
“You take a look at Bernhard (Langer) and Freddie ({Couples}) and they’re nonetheless in a position to compete right here. They’re older guys who perceive the right way to play this golf course. It helps them. And hopefully, it is going to assist me this week.”
The 15-time Main champion has again and again insisted that if he feels he didn’t have an opportunity to win, he wouldn’t tee off in a match.
Woods, who has dropped to world No 1001, stated the important thing can be how he handles his mobility. That will turn out to be much more essential contemplating that chilly and rain is predicted to hit Augusta on Friday and final via Saturday.
“I believe my sport is best than it was final 12 months at this explicit time. My endurance is best. However it aches a bit of bit greater than it did final 12 months, simply because at that specific time after I got here again, I actually had not pushed it that usually. I had a bit of window that week wherein I did push it and was in a position to do this,” stated Woods.
“So, mobility isn’t the place I would love it to be. However then, I’m very fortunate to have this leg…a minimum of it’s mine. Sure, it had been altered and there’s some {hardware} in there, but it surely’s nonetheless mine. It has been robust and can at all times be robust. The power and endurance of what my leg will do going ahead won’t ever be the identical, and I perceive that.
“I simply need to be cognizant of how a lot I can push it. I can hit lots of photographs, however the problem for me goes to be the strolling. It’s what it’s. I want it could possibly be simpler, however I’ve received three extra years after I get the little buggy and be on the market with Fred (within the Champions Tour).”
Woods stated he was happy with his efforts final 12 months, when he made the lower towards all odds.
Requested if it was corresponding to a number of the beautiful wins he has had, Woods stated: “Properly, it’s completely different. I didn’t win the Masters final 12 months, however for me, to have the ability to come again and play was a small victory in itself.
Woods has been paired with Norway’s Viktor Hovland and American Xander Schauffele at 10:18am native time in Thursday’s opening spherical (7:48 pm IST).