Category: Masters

Brennan: Tiger Woods in the 2022 Masters would be a gift to golf

Will he or won’t he? Can he or can’t he? The drama runs deep as the Masters Tournament approaches.

Will he or won’t he? Can he or can’t he?

The drama runs deep as the Masters Tournament approaches, and, of course, it centers exclusively on Tiger Woods, as it has for a quarter of a century now. That’s normal and expected. Of course the Masters is coming and of course we’re talking about Tiger.

This year, though, it’s actually stunning to be having this conversation. It was little more than 13 months ago that Woods was in that awful car accident. His right leg was shattered. Golf was a distant dream for him at that point. If he could just walk again, that would be a successful recovery, that would be enough. That was the thinking not all that long ago.

Then, earlier this week, Tiger showed up at Augusta National Golf Club and played 18 holes.

What does that mean? Is he in? Or was he just testing out the leg on the hills of Augusta National, trying to gauge what it will take to make a comeback?

So far, anyone who knows isn’t saying. But as long as Tiger doesn’t withdraw, there’s obviously still a chance he will play. What was unthinkable just a few months ago is still probably unlikely, but not impossible.

So let’s explore the idea, even if it ends up not happening: Tiger playing in the 2022 Masters.

What a gift that would be to the Masters, and to the game of golf. Tiger needs golf, but golf has always needed Tiger even more.

With Phil Mickelson sitting in the penalty box for who knows how long, and Tiger out since his accident, men’s golf is struggling to find transcendent personalities who can draw in people other than those who already are hooked, which is mainly white males who play golf.

Tiger is that guy, and has been since he won his first Masters in 1997. Who can bring grandmothers running to their TVs on Sunday afternoon of Masters week? Tiger, Phil — and, to a lesser extent, perhaps Jordan Spieth and Rory McIlroy. Am I missing anyone? I don’t think so.

McIlroy was at Augusta National when Tiger played his practice round Tuesday.

“He was there, obviously, and he’s trying to see what he can do,” McIlroy told reporters at this week’s Valero Texas Open in San Antonio. “Obviously no one knows but him if he can make it around and if he believes he can compete.”

But if he somehow can, McIlroy said, “I think for golf and for the Masters tournament and for everyone, to have Tiger there would be phenomenal. I think it just adds to the event. Obviously, it does. Anything Tiger Woods does in the game of golf is heightened whenever he’s there. I mean, it would be awesome for him to be there.”

If Tiger were to be able to play, he changes everything about next week at the Masters. He would turn the usual routine at Augusta National into a spectacle, in a great way. His comeback story would be extraordinary at any age, but Tiger is now 46, which happens to be the same age Jack Nicklaus was when he became the oldest winner of the Masters in 1986. Ah, the symmetry.

Fans will be back in droves at Augusta National as COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted, meaning this will be the first “normal” Masters since 2019, which was won by, well, you know who, the golfer who isn’t expected to play, but what if he does?

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What if Tiger Woods really plays the 2022 Masters? Here’s what others in the golf world are saying

If Tiger returns, improbably, it will mark one of the greatest comebacks the game has ever seen.

Sure, the PGA Tour is in San Antonio this week, and we’re in the middle of the year’s first major on the LPGA schedule, but the eyes of the golf world have been squarely focused on one thing — will Tiger Woods play the 2022 Masters at Augusta National?

Although speculation has been rampant, no official word had been given by Friday morning.

But if Tiger returns, improbably, less than 14 months removed from a car crash that could have taken his life, it will mark one of the greatest comebacks the game has ever seen.

While others in the golf world have had plenty to keep them busy this week, almost everyone has had an opinion on Tiger and his potential return. Here’s a look at a few:

Harris English withdraws from the Masters as he continues to recover from hip surgery

“I’m progressing very well from recent hip surgery, but have to exercise caution as I return to play.”

On Valentine’s Day, Harris English underwent surgery to repair the labrum in his right hip. He hasn’t made a start on the PGA Tour since, a trend that will continue next week.

English has officially withdrawn from the Masters, saying he’s “progressing very well from recent hip surgery, but have to exercise caution as I return to play.”

The Georgia Bulldog tied for 21st at Augusta National last season, which stands as his best finish at the year’s first men’s major in three career appearances.

After a consistent campaign in 2021 that included a win at the Travelers Championship, English has made just four official starts this season with his best finish coming at the Sentry Tournament of Champions (T-30).

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2022 Masters weather forecast is great for start and finish but rain likely midweek

Augusta National Golf Club should be spared from most of spring’s unpredictability but bring your umbrella.

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AUGUSTA, Ga. — Springtime in the Augusta area is notoriously fickle. Weather patterns can shift in a heartbeat, turning a terrific day into a mess, or vice versa.

The 2022 Masters Tournament should be spared from most of that unpredictability. But bring your umbrella.

The forecast for the tournament days of the first major in men’s pro golf in 2022 looks promising for fans and players alike, but Tuesday’s practice round and the Wednesday Par 3 Contest are less certain.

Monday is expected to be a great day to kick off tournament week, with a high near 80 and light wind, according to the National Weather Service and The Weather Channel.

Thunderstorms, however, are in the forecast for both Tuesday and Wednesday, with up to an 80 percent chance of rain or storms on both days. Temperatures should be in the upper 70s to low 80s.

The bad weather heads out in time for Thursday, however. The Weather Channel says there is only a 25 percent chance of rain on the first tournament day, but patrons should expect a cool western wind throughout the rest of the week, ranging from 10 to 20 mph.

By Sunday, the temperatures should return to the mid 70s, making Masters Sunday a great one for fans and golfers alike.

Augusta weather forecast for Masters Week

Monday: Partly Cloudy. High 79. Low 55. Wind E at 5 mph. Chance of rain 1 percent.

Tuesday: Thunderstorms expected. High 80. Low 64. Wind SSE at 15 mph. Chance of rain 80 percent.

Wednesday: Thunderstorms likely in the a.m. High 77. Low 64. Wind SW at 11 mph. Chance of rain 80 percent.

Thursday: Partly Cloudy. High 76. Low 53. Wind WSW at 14 mph. Chance of rain 25 percent.

Friday: Partly Cloudy. High 67. Low 47. Wind W at 15 mph. Chance of rain 13 percent.

Saturday: Mostly Sunny. High 69. Low 50. Wind W at 15 mph. Chance of rain 1 percent.

Sunday: Sunny. High 74. Low 51. Wind W at 10 mph. Chance of rain 6 percent.

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An early look at the five betting favorites at the 2022 Masters

Jon Rahm, former World No. 1, sits as the betting favorite to win green jacket, but some of the biggest names in the game are right there.

In the last few days, Tiger Woods’ odds across many online sportsbooks have been crashing. On Monday, Tipico had Woods listed as +6000. Now? He’s down to +5000 (and that’s not even close to the biggest drop we’ve seen on other books).

Despite the change, the five-time Masters champion isn’t among the five betting favorites to win at Augusta National next week.

The names among the top of the odds list include the No. 1 ranked player in the world, Scottie Scheffler. The Texan ripped that title away from Jon Rahm at the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play when he defeated Kevin Kisner in the championship duel.

However, speaking of the former World No. 1, the Spaniard currently sits as the betting favorite to win the green jacket.

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Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO).

Masters: Woods’ complete history at Augusta National

Six-time Masters champion Jack Nicklaus is done playing the Par 3 Contest

After a two-year absence, the Par 3 Contest returns but six-time Masters champion Jack Nicklaus will not be playing.

The beloved Par 3 Contest is one of the best traditions at the Masters.

After a two-year absence due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Par 3 Contest played over nine holes ranging from 70 to 140 yards in the northeast corner of Augusta National Golf Club returns in 2022.

Six-time Masters champion Jack Nicklaus, however, will not be playing.

Answering questions in Golfweek’s annual Masters survey, Nicklaus, 82, was talking about what he looked forward to the most when heading to Augusta.

“In many ways it is the start of the golfing season,” Nicklaus said. “It certainly is the start of the major championship season. Even though I don’t play anymore, it’s fun to be there. It’s fun to go to the Masters dinner. I’m done with the Par 3, but toward the end of my career, I used to play every year. But I just can’t play anymore.

“And then there is the honor of hitting the opening tee shot alongside Gary Player. Now, with the addition of our good friend, Tom Watson, that will be nice. I enjoy seeing everybody. It’s like a reunion.”

Nicklaus played in the Par 3 Contest dozens of times since it began in 1960; Sam Snead won the inaugural edition. On most occasions, Nicklaus had one of his five children or 22 grandchildren on the bag.

He last played in 2019 alongside Player and Watson. On the bag was Gary “GT” Nicklaus Jr. On the 112-yard eighth hole, GT teed off and the ball disappeared into the hole.

Nicklaus was 75 before making an ace at Augusta National. His grandson needed one swing. With tears streaming down his face, Nicklaus left the tee box.

“I didn’t want to be disrespectful because six green jackets are pretty good,” he said the next day after participating in the ceremonial tee shots. “But that’s about yourself. When something happens with your children or your grandchildren, that’s far more special to you. And so yesterday, I said, was the greatest day I’ve had at Augusta National.”

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The Masters: Brooks Koepka’s history at Augusta National and current odds to win in 2022

A complete look at Brooks Koepka’s leaderboard history at the Masters including career prize money earnings and odds to win in 2022.

If Brooks Koepka’s ball stayed out of Rae’s Creek on the 12th in 2019, his resume at the Masters might look very different.

Koepka has always performed well at major championships, and his record at the Masters reflects that. From 2015-2019, he improved upon his finish in each year.

However, playing through a leg injury in 2021, Koepka missed the cut for the first time in his career.

Current odds to win 2022 Masters: +2000

Masters results/odds: Jordan Spieth | Tiger Woods | Rory McIlroy

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Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO).

Here’s Koepka’s complete history at the Masters.

Epic comebacks nothing new to Tiger Woods as he contemplates playing in Masters

If he decides to play, getting to the first tee alone would rank among his greatest comebacks in a career full of them.

Will he or won’t he?

While Tiger Woods has been at the epicenter of golf for 25 years, his anxiously awaited decision on whether to play in the 2022 Masters has ignited interest the globe over to a level rarely, if ever, seen before.

Could the five-time Masters champion, 15-time major winner, and former world No. 1 actually make it to the first tee next Thursday at Augusta National Golf Club 13 months after nearly losing his life in a single-car accident?

Woods has fanned the flames of hope with reports of his practicing and playing at The Medalist in Florida and his reconnaissance trip Tuesday to Augusta National where he played all 18 holes alongside his son, Charlie. He’s also still on the list on the tournament’s website of past champions in the field.

If he were to play, it would be his first official tournament since February 23, when he suffered multiple, serious injuries to his right foot and right leg in a car crash north of Los Angeles; Woods later revealed that amputation of the leg was on the table.

Woods was bed-ridden for months. But he slowly recovered, his will leading the way, and played alongside Charlie in the 36-hole PNC Championship last December; the two wound up second. Woods hasn’t played on the PGA Tour since the 2020 November Masters, where he finished in a tie for 38th.

At the Hero World Challenge last December, a tournament he hosts and one that benefits his foundation, Woods said his goal was to return to the PGA Tour sometime in the future and play on a limited basis. He knew he needed time to ready himself to play against the best players in the world and to be able to walk 72 holes; he rode in a cart in the PNC Championship.

The time for his return could be next week.

Woods has said he will attend the Champions Dinner on Tuesday of Masters week. If history is any indication, Woods will announce his intentions on Friday.

If he decides to play, getting to the first tee alone would rank among his greatest comebacks in a career full of them.

Here are other comebacks he’s made that left onlookers in awe.

Masters: Tiger Woods’ complete history at Augusta National

Tiger Woods flew his private jet to test his leg at Augusta National. Masters 2022 hype is officially through the roof

Welcome to another episode of Tiger Tuesday.

Welcome to another episode of Tiger Tuesday.

From the moment the private jet N517TW, a 2008 Gulfstream 5 owned by Tiger Woods, took off sometime before 9 a.m. ET on Tuesday from near Port St. Lucie, Florida, golf Twitter has been in a frenzy tracking the latest whereabouts of a plane believed to be carrying Tiger on his way to test out his surgically-repaired leg at Augusta National, and what it means for the possibility that Tiger may compete next week at the 86th edition of the Masters.

Golf Twitter took turns posting updates as he made his way to golf’s promised land, touching down at approximately 9:30 a.m. ET

“Tiger, this you?” Golf Channel’s Ryan Lavner playfully asked.

Later, the plane was seen circling Augusta. Was he landing at Daniel Field or Augusta Regional Airport?, Geoff Shackelford of The Quadrilateral asked.

“This is golf’s version of the NORAD Santa Tracker,” Golf Digest’s Claire Rogers observed.

Eureka Earth went next level and provided video of the plane on the runway.

Jeff Ridyard, a golf coach and short-game specialist, posted a tweet that said: “I can confirm that TW is playing at Augusta National today.”

What does it all mean? Hard to say, but Tiger appears to be making enough progress in his rehab from last February’s single-car crash in Los Angeles to keep his hopes (and those of Tiger Nation) alive that he could return next week. Tiger previously has said that his leg was nearly amputated.

As reported last week, Woods is still listed among those past champions expected to play. He hasn’t told Augusta National – as Phil Mickelson and Ian Woosnam already have this year – to move him into the list of past champions not competing with the likes of Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and Tom Watson.

In February, speaking at the PGA Tour’s Genesis Invitational, which he hosts, Woods was non-committal about when he could return. He wouldn’t even commit to competing in the Par 3 Contest on Wednesday let alone discuss the idea of chasing his sixth Green Jacket and 16th major title.

When pressed by CBS Jim Nantz during an in-booth interview during the broadcast of the final round, he shot down a question about the Par 3 Contest, saying, “Hey, Jimmy, slow down, turbo, slow down.”

“I don’t want to come out here and just play,” Woods said in perhaps his most revealing comment when asked about the majors. “That’s how I am. I need to feel that I’m confident that I can beat these guys, and I got to do the legwork at home. It’s on me.”

An Instagram video of Woods walking the course at his home club in Florida, The Medalist Club, was the first indication that the idea of Woods actually teeing it up next week wasn’t crazy talk.

It’s also interesting to note that Mark Steinberg, Woods’s longtime agent, was quick to make it known that a set of irons believed to be used by Tiger during his Tiger Slam of 2000-01, and which are currently being auctioned, weren’t the authentic set and that Tiger still has them in his possession. But Steinberg has not shot down any of the several claims that Woods was ramping up his practice for a potential Masters run.

None of this means he will play.

Tiger knows better than anyone that Augusta National is the toughest walk on the PGA Tour. He’ll have to be able to not walk just 18, but do it for at least four days and 72 holes. That will be incredibly taxing on his body. Tiger has won a major on one leg, but this is different. He’s already said he won’t resort to using a cart as he did in December while competing in the PNC Championship, a 36-hole exhibition with his son, Charlie.

Tiger has toyed with the golf world before. In 2016 and ’17, he stretched out his decision until the weekend prior to the tournament before announcing he would not play. Is he simply “exhausting every effort,” testing if he’s ready to climb Mt. Olympus one more time, only to reach the conclusion that it’s too soon?

All we know for sure is that Tiger will be in Augusta next week. He did commit to the Champions Dinner on Tuesday. And never bet against Tiger Woods.

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The Masters: Rory McIlroy’s history at Augusta National and current odds to win in 2022

A complete look at Rory McIlroy’s leaderboard history at the Masters including career prize money earnings and odds to win in 2022.

Rory McIlroy and the Masters. The Masters and Rory McIlroy. What a complicated relationship.

We all remember 2011, when an abysmal drive off the 10th tee led to one of the biggest meltdowns in golf history. Charl Schwartzel can thank McIlroy for his green jacket.

The Northern Ireland product has been in the mix at Augusta National several times throughout his illustrious career, including being a member of the final group with Patrick Reed in 2018 (Reed went on to win).

If the four-time major champion were to slip on the green jacket this year, he would join Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, and Tiger Woods as the only golfers in history to win all four major championships.

Current odds to win 2022 Masters: +1500

Masters results/odds: Jordan Spieth | Tiger Woods | Justin Thomas

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Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO).

McIlroy’s history at the Masters