Tiger Woods could also be woefully wanting fit observe heading into the 87th Masters, however he has a secret weapon he can depend on — his deep wisdom of the intricacies of Augusta National Golf Club.
A win on Sunday would put the five-time champion on a par with Jack Nicklaus because the winningest Masters participant, and in addition make him the oldest winner at 47. The file stands within the identify of Nicklaus, who used to be 46 when he received in 1986. .
Woods remaining received right here in miraculous style in 2019 after a sequence of surgical procedures on his again and knees. He used to be taking part in extra steadily then and had additionally received the 2018 Tour Championship. Since his horrific automobile twist of fate in Los Angeles in February 2021, Woods has performed most effective 4 instances. The Masters remaining yr used to be his comeback, and he did remarkably neatly to make the reduce.
On Tuesday, Woods mentioned: “Numerous it’s been figuring out the golfing direction, and I do know this direction. So, I’ve been in a position to recreate a large number of the chip pictures at house in my yard or when I’m at Medalist (his house membership) hitting balls, seeking to simulate pictures and rehearsing over and over each flag location, and each and every shot I might in all probability hit.
“I’ve long past thru such a lot of other eventualities in my head. I do not sleep rather well, so going thru it and rummaging in the course of the information financial institution and learn how to hit pictures from each position and rehearsing it; That’s the one manner I will compete right here. I do not have the bodily tournaments beneath my belt. But if there may be anybody golfing direction that I will come again, like I did remaining yr, it is 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 know the way to play this golfing direction. It is helping them. And expectantly, it’s going to lend a hand me this week.”
The 15-time Major champion has over and over again insisted that if he felt he did not have an opportunity to win, he would no longer tee off in a event.
Woods, who has dropped to international No. 1001, mentioned the important thing could be how he handles his mobility. That would change into much more the most important making an allowance for that chilly and rain are anticipated to hit Augusta on Friday and remaining thru Saturday.
“I feel my recreation is healthier than it used to be remaining yr at this actual time. My staying power is healthier. But it aches slightly bit greater than it did remaining yr, simply because at that specific time once I got here again, I in point of fact hadn’t driven it that ceaselessly. I had slightly window that week during which I did push it and used to be in a position to do this,” mentioned Woods.
“So, mobility isn’t the place I might love it to be. But then, I’m very fortunate to have this leg…no less than it is mine. Yes, it have been altered and there may be some {hardware} in there, however it is nonetheless mine. It has been difficult and can all the time be difficult. The skill and staying power of what my leg will do going ahead won’t ever be the similar, and I needless to say.
“I simply need to be cognizant of the way a lot I will push it. I will hit a large number of pictures, however the problem for me goes to be the strolling. It is what it’s. I want it might be more straightforward, however I’ve were given 3 extra years when I am getting the little buggy and be available in the market with Fred (within the Champions Tour).”
Woods mentioned he used to be happy with his efforts remaining yr, when he made the reduce towards all odds.
Asked if it used to be related to one of the surprising wins he has had, Woods mentioned: “Well, it is other. I did not win the Masters remaining yr, however for me, as a way to come again and play used to be 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).