Had the Masters occurred this week as originally planned, Tiger Woods previously said he would have been healthy and was feeling “a lot better than [he] did” earlier this year when he had to drop out of multiple tournaments because of his long-term back problems.
But what kind of shape is he really in and what version of the superstar would have played this week? In an interview Woods did Sunday, he said he “was starting to peak.”
While golf fans everywhere tuned in for a replay of the 2019 Masters, which Tiger won in thrilling fashion, on CBS, broadcaster Jim Nantz interviewed Woods about his health, winning last year’s green jacket and the global COVID-19 pandemic, which led to the postponement and cancellation of several sporting events. The 2020 Masters has since been pushed back to November 12 through 15.
In his interview with Nantz, Woods said, per Golf Channel, that because he was still practicing, he was reaching his “normal pre-major-championship self.”
“I was out practicing and subconsciously getting ready – I didn’t realize I was getting ready, I just wanted to go out there and have some fun, hit some balls and get out the house,” Woods said. “It’s amazing. I’ve been doing it for so long, that things were starting to come together, I was starting to peak. Trying to peak four times a year – and I know that the tournament’s been postponed, not [to be played] until November, but for some reason I was still peaking anyways. It was kind of funny.
“Just goes to show you, muscle memory.”
In case fans were not devastated enough about not getting to watch what would have been the final round of the Masters on Sunday — even with the epic 2019 replay serving as the alternative — that little detail from Tiger has to hurt.
Because of Woods’ back issues — he’s had several surgeries over the years — he said he had to pull out of The Players Championship in March because his back wouldn’t be “ready for play” in time. (That tournament was eventually canceled because of the coronavirus outbreak.)
It was not an easy decision, but I will not be attending @THEPLAYERSChamp. I have to listen to my body and properly rest when needed. My back is simply just not ready for play next week. I'm sad to miss one of the best events of the season, OUR Championship.
— Tiger Woods (@TigerWoods) March 6, 2020
But for now, Woods’ Masters defense is a few months away still.
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