The possibility of Tiger Woods competing in next month’s Masters remains uncertain, and golf legend Gary Player has expressed doubts about whether the 49-year-old American will even be able to walk the course.
Woods has faced numerous health challenges in recent years, particularly after a severe car accident in February 2021 that left his ankle severely injured.
His ability to walk normally again was considered a remarkable achievement in itself.
Since the accident four years ago, Woods has participated in just 11 tournaments and missed the cut in four of them.
His physical struggles have been compounded by back surgery in September of last year. He made a brief return to golf in December at the PNC Championship, a father-son event, where he managed to walk 54 holes.
However, this has been his only televised appearance on the golf course since then, leaving his current fitness level largely unknown, as the 15-time major champion rarely provides updates on his health.
Adding to his challenges, Woods recently experienced a personal tragedy with the passing of his mother, Kultida Woods, last month at the age of 80.
His father, Earl Woods, passed away in 2006 at the age of 74. Notably, since his father’s death, Woods has won only three of his 15 major titles.
As the Masters approaches, the golf world remains in suspense over whether Woods will be able to compete, let alone contend, given his physical and emotional hurdles.
Everybody wants to see Tiger Woods play in The Masters
Gary Player, the 89-year-old golf legend and nine-time major champion, has expressed doubts about whether Tiger Woods is physically capable of navigating the hilly terrain of Augusta National Golf Club.
Given Woods’ extensive health struggles in recent years, Player questions whether the 49-year-old can handle the demanding course conditions required to compete at The Masters.
“I’m such an admirer of Tiger Woods. 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,” Player told SportsBoom.com in an exclusive interview.
“And, but you know, Tiger Woods’s … 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. 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.”
Record-setting Player set to attend 67th Masters
Despite winning three Masters titles (1961, 1974, and 1978) and holding the tournament in high regard, Gary Player revealed that it was actually his least favorite major. This surprising admission highlights the unique perspective of the golfing legend, even as he acknowledges the prestige of the event.
“Well, I rate it in the top four tournaments in the world. I rate it fourth. 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?”
Since 2011, Gary Player has served as an honorary starter at the Masters. His inclusion in this prestigious role coincided with the 50th anniversary of his first Masters victory.
That same year, his fellow South African, Charl Schwartzel, triumphed at Augusta at just 26 years old, adding a special connection to Player’s legacy at the tournament.
