"He can actually still hit the ball pretty well"- Jack Nicklaus gives verdict on Tiger Woods' next major tournament
Tiger Woods could make his senior year debut in just three years when he turns 50 in 2025. However, he is struggling with injuries, making it difficult for him to compete in tournaments. He has also withdrawn his name from the Players Championship.
His injuries took a toll on him and Woods has missed several tournaments in the last few years. Fans now doubt his future in golf.
Woods developed plantar fasciitis ahead of the world Hero Challenge in December 2022, making it more difficult for him to stand on the field.
Nonetheless, everything diminished ahead of the legendary golfer's will to win more big tournaments. Woods wants to win the sixth Masters of his career to tie up with Jack Nicklaus.
On Sir Nick Faldo's Round to Table chat podcast, Nicklaus opened up about Tiger Woods playing in major tournaments and him joining the senior tour.
"He's going to play the majors, he can actually still hit the ball pretty well, he just can't walk.
"I told him, I said 'Tiger you’re eligible to take a cart', but he said 'I'm not going to do that, when I get to the senior tour I will. He'd love to play the senior tour. That's what I love about Tiger, he’s a competitor, he loves competition."
"Hopefully this year I can get all four": Tiger Woods opens up about the major tournament
Tiger Woods has been struggling with injuries since he was met with a car accident in 2021. He injured his leg and underwent major surgeries.
He was supposed to compete in December 2022 but then developed plantar fasciitis and withdrew from the competition. Speaking about his gameplay and future tournaments, Woods said:
"Here's the deal, I'm not going to play any more than probably the majors and maybe a couple more.
"Like I told you guys last year. I'm not going to play any more than probably the majors and maybe a couple more. That's it, that's all my body will allow me to do. My back the way it is, all the surgeries I had on my back, my leg the way it is, I just can't.
"That's just going to be my future. So, my intent last year was to play in all four. Hopefully this year I can get all four and maybe sprinkle in a few here and there. But that's it for the rest of my career. I know that and I understand that. That's just my reality."
The Masters is scheduled to take place in April at the historic Augusta National Golf Club. Last year's champion Scottie Scheffler will return to defend his title in the star-studded field.
Tiger Woods has also withdrawn from the Player's Championship and will have some time to recover and focus on his health and gameplay.
He competed at the 2023 Genesis Invitational in February and finished 47th. Interestingly, LIV golfers will also play at the Masters this year.