Tiger Woods appreciating competing again at Augusta

Tiger Woods says he is thankful to still be out competing at Augusta National Golf Club as he prepares to make his 25th appearance at the Masters Tournament.

The American has celebrated five of his remarkable 15 Major Championship triumphs at the Georgia venue, the most recent his comeback of comeback wins in 2019.

At last year’s Masters, the 47-year-old returned to professional golf for the first time in over 500 days following a car accident that saw him sustain multiple leg injuries in February 2021.

Despite that, Woods made his 22nd consecutive Augusta cut as he was cheered on by patrons on his way to finishing in 47th place.

“Last year, I didn’t know if I was going to play again at that time,” he said at his pre-tournament press conference on Tuesday.

“For some reason everything kind of came together and I pushed it a little bit and I was able to make the cut, which was nice.

“I don't know how many more I have in me.

“I’m just able to appreciate the time that I have here and cherish the memories.”

Woods was limited to three competitive appearances last year, while he finished 45th in February at the Genesis Invitational in his only start so far this year on the PGA TOUR.

Asked how his body felt ahead of the first Major of the season, he said: “Mobility, it's not where I would like it.

“I've said to you guys before, I'm very lucky to have this leg; it's mine. Yes, it has been altered and there's some hardware in there, but it's still mine. It has been tough and will always be tough.

“The ability and endurance of what my leg will do going forward will never be the same. I understand that.

"I haven't played that much, no. But if there's any one golf course that I can come back, like I did last year, it's here, just because I know the golf course.

"Bernhard [Langer] is still able to compete here, Fred [Couples] is still able to compete here. They're older guys who understand how to play this particular golf course. It helps. And hopefully it will help me this week."

He enjoyed a practice round with World Number Two Rory McIlroy, fellow Green Jacket holder Fred Couples and rising star Tom Kim on Monday.

McIlroy is preparing for his ninth tilt at the career grand slam and Woods is in no doubt the Race to Dubai Rankings in Partnership with Rolex will win the Masters during his career.

“He will. It's just a matter of time,” he said. “Rory has the talent. He has the game. He has all the tools to win here. It's just a matter of time.

“A lot of things have to happen to win at this golf course. A lot of things have to go right.

“I think Rory has shown over the years he's learned how to play this golf course, and you just have to understand how to play it. He's been there. Last year he made a great run, put himself there.

“But I think that it's just a matter of time, whether it's this year or next or whenever it comes, he will get it done, and he will have a career Grand Slam.”

Woods, who was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in March last year, has won 82 PGA TOUR titles and 41 on the DP World Tour and enjoys being able to pass on tips to the younger generations.

“That's what this tournament allows us to do, is pass on knowledge and gain knowledge from the past and apply it,” he said.

“Whether I'm a threat to them or not, who knows? People probably didn't think I was a threat in 2019 either but kind of turned out OK.”