The Masters: Tiger-mania builds as thousands turn out to see Woods during Augusta practice round
- Woods played nine holes with 2017 PGA Championship winner Justin Thomas and 1992 Masters winner Fred Couples, who said he looked ‘phenomenal’
- Woods was hospitalised for weeks and unable to walk for months after a February 2021 automobile accident
Tiger Woods practised before thousands of supportive spectators at Augusta National ahead of the 86th Masters, where he hopes to make his first start since a car crash 14 months ago left him with severe right leg injuries.
The prospect of an astonishing comeback by the 46-year-old US star, who says it will be a “game-time decision” if he tees off Thursday, built an electric atmosphere at the famed course, which welcomed a full crowd for the first time since Woods’ 2019 win due to Covid-19 limits.
“Tiger just walked out of the clubhouse to scenes and atmosphere like you’ve never seen before,” three-time Masters winner Nick Faldo of England tweeted. “Patrons cheering and flocking to cram around the putting green. And it’s only Monday at the Masters.”
Bryson DeChambeau, the 2020 US Open champion, was practising his massive tee shots when the roar erupted.
“From the driving range, we could hear the loud roar when he came out of the clubhouse up to that first tee,” he said. “That was pretty special to see, or hear at least.”
With fans cheering in support, Woods played nine holes with 2017 PGA Championship winner Justin Thomas and 1992 Masters winner Fred Couples, who said Woods looked “phenomenal” and “very impressive” in the session.
“To go what he has gone through, to be playing today – I’m sure he’s going to tee it up Thursday,” Couples said. “Now it’s just the walking part. If he can walk around here for 72 holes, he’ll contend.”
