Tiger Woods yet to rule out playing at Masters 2022 with five-time winner not listed among non-competing champions
GOLF fans are still hopeful that Tiger Woods makes a shock appearance at this year’s Masters.
The five-time Green Jacket winner, 46, has been away from the game since February 2021 following a devastating car accident in California.
Woods sustained serious leg injuries in the horror smash, which came just two months after he underwent back surgery to fix a long-term injury.
He suffered open fractures to his lower right leg and further injuries to his foot and ankle, with months of rehab required to get him back on his feet.
Woods is automatically included on the Augusta National’s invite list as a former winner, with his last Masters triumph in 2019.
And despite having not swung a club competitively in more than a year, he has yet to rule out the possibility of playing in the iconic Major.
Speaking at the Genesis Invitational in late February, Woods was coy on his chances of playing but confirmed he will be in attendance for the annual champions dinner on April 5.
He said: “I don’t know [if I’ll play].
“I’ll be there Tuesday and it will be a great dinner – I don’t know what kind of sushi we are going to have!”
With his name still included on the Invitees list with just over a fortnight before the tournament begins, speculation is rife that Tiger could make yet more history on the iconic Augusta greens.
During his stint as host at the Genesis, Tiger outlined how he was preparing to return to the course after such a long lay-off.
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Fans were delighted when he teed off alongside son Charlie in the 2021 PNC Championship, with the father and son duo finishing second.
But he has already ruled out a return to a full-time schedule, with his future likely to involve ‘events here and there’.
Tiger continued: “Will I come back and play a full schedule? No. That will never happen again.
“I can play certain events here and there, but on a full-time level, no, that will never happen again.”
“I wish I could tell you when I’m playing again.
“I want to know. But I don’t. My golf activity has been very limited. I can chip and putt well but I haven’t done any long stuff seriously. I’m still working on the walking part.”
Tiger was inducted into the Golf Hall of Fame earlier this month, breaking down in tears after a speech by his 14-year-old daughter Sam.
There are already a number of past champions who have moved onto the non-attendees list for the 2022 Masters, including three-time winner Phil Mickelson.
‘Lefty’ Phil became the oldest person ever to win a Major title when he lifted the PGA Championship in 2021.
But he won’t be appearing at the Masters for the first time since 1994.
Mickelson announced he was taking an extended break from golf in February after comments he made regarding the Saudi Super League, which resulted in him losing a number of sponsorship deals.
The Masters will be held at Augusta National in Georgia, with the opening round set for Thursday, April 7.
