A golf icon has questioned whether Tiger Woods will compete at the Masters (Image: Tony Ding/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Gary Player has voiced his uncertainty about Tiger Woods’ future at the Masters, despite being optimistic that the golf icon will compete at Augusta next month. , who has won 15 major championships, recently participated in the TGL tournament in March but confessed that his in terms of practice.
The loss of his mother, Kultida, led Woods to withdraw from The Genesis Invitational last month. The 49-year-old also underwent surgery last September and is still recovering. This combination has kept Woods out of events so far this year. As draws near this April, speculation swirls about whether Woods will make the comeback many fans are hoping for. Golf legend Player believes Woods will return at Augusta but has expressed doubts about his ability to navigate the iconic course next month.
“I’m such an admirer of Tiger Woods,” Player told SportsBoom. “You know, he did what he did for golf around the world is remarkable. The same as Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus and a host of players. And, but you know, Tiger Woods’ … legs, your legs are what carry you around. Your legs are what hit the ball, not your hands. And his legs are not in good shape,” he explained.
“And The Masters, what people don’t understand, look at that tournament. It’s uphill and it’s downhill and it’s sidehill. And that is tough, tough on the legs. I don’t know if he can walk around there. We hope he’ll play. Everybody wants to see him play.”
The Masters will be held at Augusta from April 10 to 13. Woods wore the prestigious green jacket for the fifth time in 2019, and Player, whose nine major wins include three Masters titles, has delivered his verdict on where the tournament ranks within the sport.
Gary Player has spoken about Tiger Woods’ prospects at The Masters (Image: Kenny Smith/Getty Images)
“Well, I rate it in the top four tournaments in the world. I rate it fourth,” the 89-year-old said. “I rate the British Open number one, the US Open number two, [then the] PGA and the Masters.
“So it’s in the top four in the world. It’s remarkable. It’s the best-run tournament in the world. It’s the most beautiful place to play, and you’ve got a lot of history attached to it with Bobby Jones, who is one of the greatest players ever.”
“But the Masters is a very special place, very special indeed. And this will be my 67th visit to the Masters. Isn’t that amazing?”