Legendary golfer Gary Player is concerned that Tiger Woods won’t able to tackle Augusta National when the Masters is played there in April.
Player, now 89 years old and a well-known fitness guru, knows a thing or two about what it takes to succeed on and off the golf course.
He recently heaped praise on Woods, but then cast doubt whether Tiger’s litany of injuries would allow him to withstand the physical rigours of playing at the first major of the year, which begins on April 10.
“I’m such an admirer of Tiger Woods. What he did for golf around the world is remarkable. The same as Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus and a host of players,” the nine-time major champion told SportsBoom.
“But 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.
“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.”
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Woods participated at the Masters in 2024 and made the cut, but finished last among those who played on the weekend.
He then missed cuts at the PGA Championship, the U.S. Open and the British Open.
Since playing in the British Open in July, Woods hasn’t participated in an official PGA Tour event, but has taken part in the TGL indoor golf league this winter. He also teed it up with son Charlie at the PNC Challenge just before Christmas.
He will not play in this week’s Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass, as he is still mourning the passing of his mother, Kultida.
Woods has battled many injures throughout his career, dating back to 2007 when he ruptured his ACL in his left knee.
In 2001, Woods was involved in a single-car accident outside Los Angeles. He suffered “comminuted open fractures” to both the upper and lower portions of his tibia and fibula in his right leg, as well as damage to the ankle bones and trauma to the muscle and soft tissue of the leg, according to a statement released via his social-media account at the time.
Playing at the Masters, where he has won five green jackets, has always been a priority for Tiger. It’s a good bet he will be there, no matter what Gary Player says.
