Despite the physical limitations that have have become his constant companion, five-time Masters champion Tiger Woods still believes he has “one more” in him.
But it won’t be easy.
Woods’ health was a major subject in his pre-tournament news conference Tuesday at Augusta National Golf Club, and while he did say his surgically fused right ankle is no longer an issue, the rest of his body – from his other ankle to his back – are having to compensate.
“I hurt every day,” he admitted. And when it comes to walking and playing on Augusta’s notoriously hilly course, “Every shot that’s not on the tee box is a challenge.”
Still, Woods wouldn’t be here at Augusta if he didn’t believe he was capable of winning.
“I love golf. I love to compete,” he said.
When he does tee it up for Thursday’s opening round, Woods will be looking to break a record he currently shares with former champions Gary Player and Fred Couples by making the cut for the 24th consecutive time.
“I think it’s consistency, it’s longevity, it’s an understanding of how to play this golf course,” he said when asked about his success at Augusta. “There’s a lot of knowledge that goes into understanding how to play it.”
Woods barely made the cut to extend his streak at last year’s Masters, withdrawing during the third round due to pain from plantar fasciitis and finishing in last place. He has played in only one official PGA Tour event since then, withdrawing from the Genesis Invitational in February because of an illness.
In his opening round on Thursday, Woods is scheduled to tee off at 1:24 p.m. ET in a group with Jason Day and Max Homa.
