Tiger Woods, a legendary figure in golf with five Masters titles under his belt, has drawn significant attention as players gear up for this week’s Masters tournament. After a hiatus since withdrawing from the Genesis Invitational in February due to illness, Woods opted out of the Players Championship in March. However, his recent presence at Augusta National has sparked curiosity about his condition and form.
Upon his arrival on Sunday, Woods took to the course for some light practice, engaging in chipping and putting sessions. The following day, he took on nine holes, with fellow golfer Will Zalatoris as his playing partner. Zalatoris, who had a front-row seat to Woods’ performance, offered positive feedback on the golfing icon’s game.
According to Zalatoris, Woods showcased impressive form, even outdriving him on a couple of occasions. Zalatoris praised Woods’ physical condition, noting his fluid movement and remarkable swing despite the challenges he’s faced. Drawing from his own experience with a similar back surgery, Zalatoris highlighted Woods’ invaluable support during his rehabilitation process.
Their conversations, Zalatoris explained, revolved around assessing physical progress and sharing insights on recovery. Woods’ resilience and dedication to his rehabilitation left a lasting impression on Zalatoris, who acknowledged the difficulties of the patience required in such circumstances.
Reflecting on their previous interactions, Zalatoris recalled a charity event in October where he observed Woods’ limited range of motion. Despite this setback, Woods remained engaged, offering guidance and discussing golf techniques.
As Woods aims to extend his remarkable streak of consecutive Masters cuts to a record-breaking 24, all eyes will be on his press conference scheduled for Tuesday, where he is expected to provide further insights into his preparation and mindset ahead of the tournament.