[Masters] Woods "Sudden Declaration of Candidacy"... "Challenging for Sixth Green Jacket" (Comprehensive)

Masters Debut on the Night of the 7th, Returning to PGA Tour After 1 Year and 5 Months Since November 2020 "The Goal Is Obviously Victory"

Tiger Woods is smiling brightly during a practice round ahead of the Masters. Augusta, USA = Getty Images / Photo by Multibits

[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] The 'Golf Emperor' Tiger Woods is finally returning to the field.

Two days before the opening of the 'Masters of Masters,' at a press conference held at Augusta National Golf Club (par 72, 7,510 yards) in Georgia, USA, in the early morning of the 6th (Korean time), he introduced himself by saying, "I think I will be able to play." It will be his first appearance in a PGA Tour event in a full 1 year and 5 months since the 'Fall Masters' in November 2020. He was seriously injured in a car accident in Los Angeles, California, USA, in February last year, breaking both legs, and after lying in bed for three months, he went through a step-by-step rehabilitation process involving a wheelchair and crutches.

In fact, it is surprising just to see him holding a golf club. In December, Woods and his son Charlie finished as runners-up in the 'Family Competition' PNC Championship. Although it is a '2-person scramble' event where each player tees off and the next shot is played from the better position, he showed impressive scoring with 10 under par on the first day and a remarkable 15 under par on the final day. He hit several drives over 300 yards, had 'computer iron shots,' and his short game was especially comparable to his prime.

‘Golf Emperor’ Tiger Woods is teeing off at the 9th hole during a practice round ahead of the Masters. Augusta, USA = Getty Images / Multibits Photo by Multibits

Woods became big news last week as he moved early to Augusta. The Masters guarantees lifetime entry to past champions, with no deadline for registration. This allowed him to practice rounds daily with Justin Thomas, Billy Horschel, Fred Couples (all from the USA), and others, giving him plenty of time to consider. Although his gait was somewhat uncomfortable, he walked Augusta National, which has steep uphill and downhill slopes, and added drives over 300 yards.

This tournament is especially his 'winning stronghold,' where he has won five times: in 1997, back-to-back in 2001-2002, 2005, and 2019. Woods also expressed confidence, saying, "The goal is obviously to win." He added, "I needed to check how my body is doing," and "As you know, Augusta National has no flat ground. Walking uphill or downhill is tough." He is determined, saying, "A long battle awaits, having to complete four rounds over four days."

Woods reflected, "The past 14 months since the car accident have been, in a word, 'gratitude,'" adding, "I endured the pain, and my team helped me." His colleagues are unanimously welcoming him. Fred Couples, who accompanied him on practice rounds, praised, "His shots were very powerful," and said, "He can join the competition for the win." Jon Rahm (Spain) smiled and said, "With Woods' appearance, all of us have become 'number 2'." Woods will embark on his journey at 11:34 p.m. on the 7th, alongside Louis Oosthuizen (South Africa) and Joaquin Niemann (Chile).

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.