Tiger Woods’ status for The Masters 2022, explained and updated

Tiger Woods could be marking his return to pro golf. Let’s look at what got us here.

It’s been a long time since we’ve seen Tiger Woods compete in a professional tournament, but the golfing icon might be ready to get back on the course — or maybe not. One of the major stories leading up to The Masters this week is whether or not Tiger will play in his first event since his horrific February 2021 car accident. While realistically nobody thinks Woods can win, everyone wants to see him back on the course.

Tiger’s potential return is something everyone wants to see. The former No. 1 is still the draw of the golf world, even if he hasn’t held the top spot since 2014. This has led to a fevered pitch at Augusta as people hang off every warm up, each appearance, even his footwear to try and glean information on whether Woods will compete this week or not.

What happened in his car accident?

Early in the morning of February 23, 2021 reports emerged that Woods had been involved in a serious car accident. A single-vehicle crash, Woods was involved in a rollover in which his SUV ran off the road at a reported 80 miles per hour, close to Ranchos Palos Verdes, California.

After leaving the road, Woods’ vehicle rolled down a steep incline, coming to rest at the bottom of a ditch, resting on its side. Emergency personnel had to remove Woods from the vehicle using the jaws of life, and while his injuries were not life-threatening, he was transported to the Harbor-UCLA Medical Center with serious injuries.

The breadth of Woods’ numerous injuries were incredibly severe for a pro athlete. He suffered open fractures (commonly referred to as “compound fractures”) to the tibia and fibula in his right leg and ankle, as well as structural and soft tissue damage to his right ankle.

Speaking to the media in November of 2021, Woods detailed how serious his injuries were. He said the damage to his leg was so extensive that “amputation was on the table,” though doctors were able to save his limb through surgical intervention.

When did Tiger last compete?

We last saw Tiger on the course at the father/son PNC Championship in December, when Tiger and Charlie Woods finished second to John Daly and John Daly II — though that was largely a relaxed, pro-am atmosphere.

It’s been almost 18 months since Woods last competed in a professional event, coincidentally enough at The Masters 2020. Covid delayed the event, pushing the Augusta tradition from March to November of 2020, and saw Woods finish 38th.

Still, The Masters have always been special for Tiger. In 2019 he stunned the world by winning winning the event from long odds. He earned his fifth green jacket, breaking a tie with Jack Nicklaus and putting him just one away from tying Arnold Palmer for 1st.

Is it realistic to think he will return?

No, not really — but it’s here things get trickier. The possibility for Woods’ return has been something on the cards for this year, but when asked Woods has downplayed coming back for The Masters 2022.

As recently as Sunday he threw water on rumors he was getting ready to come back this week by saying he was a “game time decision,” but more notably pointed out just how much rehabilitation he’s been working on, not to play golf, but simply live his life.

“I’m still working on the walking part. My foot was a little messed up there about a year ago, so the walking part is something that I’m still working on, working on strength and development in that. It takes time. What’s frustrating is it’s not at my timetable. I want to be at a certain place, but I’m not. I’ve just got to continue working. I’m getting better, yes. But as I said, not at the speed and rate that I would like. You add in the age factor too. You just don’t quite heal as fast, which is frustrating.”

Woods went on to add that any kind of golf practice has been exceedingly limited. He told reporters that he has been putting and chipping the ball, pointing out that it’s going well, but that he’s had next to no practice driving the ball or working on his long game.

Still, rumors swirled — especially when The Masters released a list of former champions who wouldn’t be playing in 2022, with Woods’ name notably off the list. It would seem the door was open for Tiger to make a triumphant return, despite all signs pointing to him still being a long, long way from returning to competition.

But he’s in Augusta, right?

Yes, but it’s important to not conflate that with “he’s playing.” There’s ample reason for Woods to be involved in The Masters in some capacity other than playing. The Champion’s Dinner has long been an occasion for winners of the past to appear at Augusta, serving as the de facto social gathering of the year for professional golfers.

This also marks his first major return to the spotlight in the world of professional golf, which means Woods could be using his appearance at the event to get the media attention out of the way now, so when he is ready to get back on the course he won’t be met with the same level of scrutiny.

What’s this I heard about his shoes?

Everyone is clamoring for some sign that Woods could come back, because that’s how much people want to see Tiger play again. This also occurred Sunday when people noticed he was practicing in FootJoy brand shoes, rather than his signature Nikes.

Marketing themselves as a “more comfortable golfing shoe,” Woods wearing FootJoys has prompted speculation that he’s more serious about trying to play than he’s letting on. Changing shoes would be significant in light of his long-term sponsor, though many have taken the switch to FootJoy to mean that he’s looking for some foot relief and comfort that would allow him to walk comfortably on his surgically repaired leg during The Masters.

These rumors seem to have at least some teeth, with Nike issuing a statement that was supportive of their athlete, but acknowledged their products might not be suited for him right now.

“Like golf fans around the world, we are delighted to see Tiger back on the course,” Nike said in a statement. “He is an incredible athlete, and it is phenomenal to see him returning to the game at this level. His story continues to transcend sport and inspire us all. As he continues his return, we will work with him to meet his new needs.”

So look, will Tiger play?

Only Tiger Woods can answer that. Honestly, the sense is that he really, really wants to return, but he’s just not there yet. The question then pivots to whether Tiger would take to Augusta knowing his game is limited and he might not be able to finish a round, or would he rather wait until he can return at his best?

History tells us Woods would sooner skip an event than deliver a sub-par performance, but this is very different to his past injuries. The world would completely understand if he can’t play, or is forced to retire early — and nobody has any illusions that Tiger could shock the field in 2022 and win The Masters.

Whatever happens next, Tiger will be the talk of Augusta until the tournament begins on Thursday. If he’s able to go, the reception he gets at that first tee could be the most emotional we’ve ever seen.