Tiger Isn’t Sure He Back Will Be Ready for a Masters Return

Since undergoing his fifth back surgery, Tiger Woods has made his first public remarks, with the 15-time major champion unsure whether he will be able to compete at the Masters.

"When asked if he intends to play at the Masters in April, which he won in 2019, Woods said, "God, I hope so, reports AFP.

But the 45-year-old winner of 82 US PGA titles, level with Sam Snead for the all-time record, said it will depend on how well he recovers.

“I’m feeling fine. I’m a little stiff,” Woods said during Sunday’s CBS telecast of the US PGA Genesis Invitational, where Woods serves as tournament host.

“I have one more MRI scheduled so we’ll see if the annulus is scarred over finally and then I can start doing more activities,” Woods said.

“Still in the gym, still doing the mundane stuff that you have to do for rehab, the little things where I can start gravitating toward something more.”

Woods had no return schedule and said of playing at Augusta National in the final round on April 11, "I have to get there first." I haven't got a lot of wiggle space. I've got just one back.

After playing alongside son Charlie at a December event, Woods underwent a microdiscectomy, but is unsure when his next competitive outing could occur.

“I don’t know what the plan is,” Woods admitted. “The plan right now is to get through tomorrow and start progressing.”

Woods said he intends to make sure he works with doctors about his comeback and “do it correctly.”

Woods said he uses a long putter than before so he doesn’t bend over as far.