Tiger Woods (41) is a former World No. 1 and was unable to play in the Dubai Desert Classic last month because of a back injury. It had forced him to stay away from golf for over 15 months and, he is now determined to make a comeback and play in the Masters next month. His fans are a worried lot – they want to see him back in form.
The positive attitude of Tiger Woods
Tiger Woods is a four-time Masters champion and has had an illustrious career that brought him 14 majors in the period 1997-2008. This year's Masters would be the 20th anniversary of his breakthrough, but his participation is still in doubt because of physical fitness problems.
CNN reports that he has not made any public announcement on the subject but, has indicated his desire to return to golf. He mentioned this to a section of the media when he was in New York to promote his book on the 1997 Masters. He has made no bones about this and has admitted that he was trying everything possible so that he can wield the golf club again. Masters means a lot to him and, he has said that it will depend on how well his body responds to the challenge.
Back spasms are affecting his game
His problem appears to be the back spasms which forced him out of the second round of the Dubai event. Later, he had to pull out of a scheduled news conference that was supposed to promote his foundation's Genesis Open.
The reason was to continue with his rehabilitation program. More recently, he could not play in the Arnold Parmer Invitational – he had won it eight times. Obviously, his physical fitness is a major stumbling block.
He, however, appears to be confident of returning. He is practicing his golf at home, rather than playing rounds and, hopes to tee it up at Augusta on April 6 for the season's opening major.
His agent Mark Steinberg has confirmed that Tiger Woods is under treatment and hopes to be there.
Of course, whether he finally plays or not, he has indicated that he would not miss the Champions Dinner for all previous Masters Winners. He had last won the Masters in 2005 and, has until the day of the opening round to decide if he can play this time.
