Tiger Woods Practicing at Augusta, Might be Ready for Masters

If you’re longing to see Tiger Woods return to the Masters this week, there’s enough evidence for you to feel confident the most renowned golfer in the world will be teeing it up at Augusta National.

There was Woods being spotted in Florida, walking and playing Medalist Golf Club with caddie Joe LaCava at the end of March. Then there was the practice round last week at Augusta National with Justin Thomas after golf enthusiasts tracked his plane making the trek from Florida to Georgia.

Woods Says He’s a ‘Game-Time Decision’

Woods tweeted on Sunday he was a “game-time decision” and planned on playing a practice round on Sunday.

If the reports of his practice round on Sunday are any indication, Woods appears ready to play.

Jim McCabe witnessed Woods’ second nine at Augusta on Sunday and mentioned he played “beautifully.” He also highlighted how Woods missed only one fairway, hit numerous clean iron shots and scored a few birdies.

“Woods certainly looked like a competitive golfer in deep study, not one searching for answers,” McCabe wrote.

Woods needed just two shots to reach the par 5 15th hole, hitting his second with a fairway metal. He also reached the par 5 13th hole in two. Even after his practice round, at 6:07 p.m., Woods wasn’t done yet. He went to the practice green with LaCava for more work.

Fellow pro Billy Horschel was also impressed, who estimates Woods was carrying his driver 290 yards.

“He looked like the Tiger we saw before the accident,” Horschel told the press. “The way the swing looked and the speed. For him to hopefully be playing, which I think he is, I think we’re all giddy about it.”

Woods himself appears to be filled with joy at the possibility of returning. The official Masters social media accounts posted videos and photos of a wide-smiled Woods making his way around the course. There were no hints of pain or struggle. His full swing still appeared violent and full of torque. He’s set to play another practice round Monday afternoon. Everything points to his return.

On Tuesday at 11 a.m., Woods will hold a news conference and potentially give the sports and golf world the announcement they’ve been waiting for.

Woods’ Odds at the Masters

As Woods’ return appears imminent, sportsbooks have dropped his odds to win the Masters. He was previously as high as +7000 on DraftKings Sportsbook but is now down to +4500. Woods is +5500 on FanDuel Sportsbook and +5000 at BetMGM.

“Once Tiger Woods began practicing at August, Tiger moved from +6600 to +5000 to win The Masters last week in anticipation of his return,” Matt Cosgriff, Director of Trading BetMGM said. “Woods is currently BetMGM’s biggest liability to win.”