By DOUG FERGUSON (AP Golf Writer)
AUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) — Tiger Woods still believes he can win another Masters. But recent evidence might suggest it could be harder than walking up to the 18th green at Augusta National.
Despite being 48 and having numerous surgeries, and only breaking par three times in 10 rounds at the Masters since 2019, Woods remains optimistic. His body has allowed him to play only 24 holes of tournament golf this year.
During a press conference on Tuesday, Woods was asked about his capabilities against Scottie Scheffler and defending champion Jon Rahm, amidst a field that combines the best from the PGA Tour and LIV Golf for the first time since July.
“If everything falls into place, I believe I can win one more,” Woods said. He then paused briefly before adding, “Do I need to explain further, or are we good?”
The answer will start to reveal itself Thursday. There is much curiosity about the one player who once was as predictable as golf allows.
Woods is practical and acknowledges the limitations of age and injury, as he feels it almost every day.
“Some days, I just feel really good,” he said. “Other days, not so much.”
These fluctuations are a result of his knee surgeries, fused lower back, and ankle. He has reduced limping compared to last year, when he had to withdraw before completing the rain-delayed third round at the Masters.
His hope entering 2024 was to play once a month, but he ended up skipping the entire Florida swing in March.
“My body wasn’t prepared,” he said. “My game wasn’t ready.”
Woods explained that he doesn't practice as much as he used to, even with his own short-game course in the backyard of his Florida home.
The Masters is another opportunity for Woods to compete on his favorite course at his favorite major, which still holds significance for him.
“I adore golf. I do,” he said with a warm smile. “I've always loved it. I played other sports growing up, but I've always loved this sport. I love to compete. And having the love for the game and competition intertwined, I think that's one of the reasons why I've had a successful career.”
Upon his arrival on Sunday, Woods took a few clubs with him on the front nine and played the back nine with Will Zalatoris on Monday, and the front nine with Fred Couples and Justin Thomas on Tuesday.
All of them had positive feedback about Woods and his swing. This has become a tradition at every major over the last few years, as he still manages to make people wonder if there's one more victory left in him.
At stake for Woods is to make the cut at the Masters for the 24th consecutive time, which would break the record he shares with Couples and Gary Player.
Fred Couples said Tiger Woods is focused on winning the tournament, not just making the cut. Couples watched Woods play nine holes and saw that he didn't make any mistakes. Woods is here to play hard and win, not just to make the cut, even though setting that record would be huge.
The weather was warm and overcast, keeping the course conditions firm. There is concern about how much a day of forecasted rain later in the week will slow down the fast golf course.
Tuesday is usually the busiest day for practice, and there is a shorter schedule on Wednesday before the Par 3 Tournament.
Scottie Scheffler is the favorite with the best odds since Woods. Rory McIlroy's late arrival and limited news conference have raised questions. His odds are also being discussed.
Rory McIlroy is aiming to keep his routine normal for this tournament, just like any other week in his 25-week playing schedule.
Woods has been through a lot, both on and off the golf course, with injuries affecting his practice and tournaments.
It's normal for Woods to believe he can win, as he has always said that. However, there may come a time when his best isn't enough, which he recognized even in his peak years.
Woods still believes he can win, even though he is aware that there may come a time when he can't.
___
AP golf: https://apnews.com/hub/golf
