Tiger Woods Expected To Arrive At Augusta National On Sunday

According to Sports Illustrated, Woods is expected to arrive at Augusta National on Sunday, although it is still unknown whether he will feature in the Masters

Woods catches a golf ball
(Image credit: Getty Images)

The ongoing story of a Tiger Woods' return to competitive action was ramped up on Saturday when, according to TWLegion and Sports Illustrated, the 15-time Major winner "is expected to arrive at Augusta National tomorrow (Sunday) afternoon, potentially unannounced."

In a tweet by TWLegion, which stated that Sports Illustrated were reporting the potential arrival, it was said that Tiger will be making an appearance at Augusta National, potentially unannounced, with news of his return still being kept behind closed doors as the Masters gets underway on Thursday 7th April.

At the time of writing, Tiger has made no announcement about his return. However, there is no official deadline for when he must inform tournament officials. This is because entry to the Masters is by invitation only. Therefore, Woods is deemed to be playing until he informs Augusta National representatives otherwise, which explains why he is still listed as 'in the field' on the official website. The 46-year old could go right up to the eve or even the day of the tournament, should he wish.

Now, with the reported arrival tomorrow, there are a number of theories that could be made but, importantly, Tiger did play a practice round at Augusta National on Tuesday with his son, Charlie, and close friend, Justin Thomas, with one source on the ground at Augusta giving a positive account to ESPN, stating: "He played every one of them (18 holes). He looked good to me."

After Tiger flew back home to Florida on Wednesday, the question remains though on whether he can survive the walk around the undulating layout of Augusta National. At the PNC Championship back in December, we saw some classy shots from the 15-time Major winner, but all lies with the right leg that he injured in the crash back in February 2021.

Woods hits a drive

Woods' last appearance came at the 2020 Masters where he finished T38

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Along with sources and individuals giving their thoughts and views, Tiger has become the most bet on golfer to win the 2022 Masters, with US bookie, PointsBet, claiming that punters have rushed to put money on Tiger to win a sixth Green Jacket.

One thing that is for certain though is that Tiger will be attending the Champions Dinner, which is traditionally held on the Tuesday of Masters week. He has also not ruled out the possibility of playing the Par-3 Contest on Wednesday, but as the days have gone by, it now looks a possibility that he will actually feature in the tournament.

Matt Cradock
Staff Writer

Matt joined Golf Monthly in February 2021 covering weekend news, before also transitioning to equipment and testing. After freelancing for Golf Monthly and The PGA for 18 months, he was offered a full-time position at the company in October 2022 and continues to cover weekend news and social media, as well as help look after Golf Monthly’s many buyers’ guides and equipment reviews.

Taking up the game when he was just seven years of age, Matt made it into his county squad just a year later and continues to play the game at a high standard, with a handicap of around 2-4. To date, his best round came in 2016, where he shot a six-under-par 66 having been seven-under through nine holes. He currently plays at Witney Lakes in Oxfordshire and his favourite player is Rory McIlroy, despite nearly being struck by his second shot at the 17th during the 2015 BMW PGA Championship.

Matt’s current What’s In The Bag?

Driver: Honma TW747, 8.75°

Fairway Wood: TaylorMade Rocketballz Stage 2, 15°, 19°

Hybrid: Adams Super Hybrid, 22°

Irons: Mizuno MP54, 5-PW

Wedges: Cleveland 588 RTX 2.0 Tour Satin, 50°, 56°, 60°

Putter: Cleveland TFI 2135 Satin Cero

Ball: Titleist Pro V1x