SAN ANGELO, Texas — Tiger Woods is poised to make a return to competition this week at the Hero World Challenge. It will mark the 15-time major champion's first appearance on national television since the Masters in April of the previous year on November 30. During a cold, rainy, and wet Masters in Augusta, Georgia, Woods struggled to find comfort throughout the tournament, preventing him from asserting his typical command as he has done numerous times in the past.
In the delayed third round at Augusta National, Woods appeared to be in discomfort and unable to proceed. The following morning, he withdrew from the tournament, citing post-traumatic arthritis in his right ankle, among other issues stemming from the February 2021 car crash. Since the highly publicized accident, Woods has only competed five times.
Concerns have been expressed by many, including avid fans of the renowned golfer, regarding Woods' ability to perform at the highest level again. At the age of 47, set to turn 48 this December, doubts loom about his potential to secure another major tournament victory.
Initially planning to compete in the Hero World Challenge last year, Woods withdrew at the eleventh hour due to "plantar fasciitis," a condition associated with his foot and ankle injuries. While Woods appears to have no trouble hitting the ball, and his swing seems unaffected at present, it remains to be seen whether his recent surgery will address his previous issues.
In an interview with The Associated Press, Woods indicated that he no longer experiences any pain in his ankle. He was quoted saying, "My ankle is fine. Where they fused my ankle, I have absolutely zero issue whatsoever. The pain is completely gone. It’s the other areas that have been compensated for." With eight months having passed since Woods last competed, expectations may be tempered, although fans are anticipated to eagerly witness the star's return to play.
Tiger Golf Swing
(Credit: Golfweek.usatoday)
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