Tiger Woods hints that this year’s Masters could be his LAST as he admits he will ‘cherish the memories’ as he doesn’t know ‘how many more I have in me’
Tiger Woods has admitted that this year’s Masters tournament is extra special to him as he is not sure how many more he will be able to play.
The 15-time major winner is making his 25th appearance at Augusta National this week, 12 months on from his miracle return following his horror single-car crash that almost cost him his right leg.
The 47-year-old, who has previously confessed his game will be limited to the four majors and possibly a couple of other tournaments, hinted this year could be his last stroll down Magnolia Lane.
‘I don’t know how many more I have in me,’ the five-time Masters winner said at his pre-tournament press conference Tuesday. ‘Just to be able to appreciate the time and cherish the memories.
‘I’m very lucky to have the leg. Mobility and endurance – going forward it will never be the same. I can’t prepare and play as many tournaments as I’d like but that’s ok and I’m ok with it.’
Tiger Woods has admitted that this year’s Masters tournament is extra special to him
Woods added that he has a new found appreciation of the game after his on-course career was left in jeopardy following his accident.
‘I think the appreciation of being able to play the game,’ he said. ‘I’ve said this before, prior to back fusion I didn’t know.. happened to win a major along the way. With the accident it’s been a rough road. Again, it’s appreciation. To come here and play it means so much. Such a special place in my heart.’
He admitted that while practicing and playing has made been made harder due to the struggle of the pain cause by the injuries to his right leg, it has afforded him more time to share the game with his son, Charlie.
‘I’ve always enjoyed the seclusion of practicing and getting ready for events and taking what I’ve done in practice to game time,’ he added.
‘It is harder now, I am limited with what I can do. But the joy is different now, more time with my son. Create our own memories. Late night putting / practice I’m doing with my son.’
Woods has developed a close friendship with Rory McIlroy during their work together on business venture TMRW Sports and their fightback against LIV Golf.
McIlroy will once again continue his quest for his first Green Jacket and the career Grand Slam this year.
The Northern Irishman has endured a torturous relationship with Augusta over the past decade with the Masters the only major to continuously evade him.
But his close pal Woods insisted that McIlroy will emerge victorious at The Masters, it’s ‘just a matter of time.’
While World No. 3 McIlroy may be a favorite – as he has been for almost a decade now, Woods’s odds may not be as favorable as they once were.
However, the golfing great warned fans should never count him out.
‘Whether I’m a threat or not, who knows. People probably didn’t think I was a threat in ’19 either and that turned out ok.’
More to follow.