Tiger Woods' playing future is one step closer to being back on track after the former world No. 1 played a practice round Tuesday at Augusta National. Mark Steinberg, his agent, confirmed in an email to The Associated Press that Woods played the full 18 holes, a strong indication that he's preparing to return at the Masters.
"Tiger clearly is working hard and he will advise as to when he is ready to play competitively," Steinberg told ESPN (via Yahoo Sports)."
Woods has not played since he withdrew at Torrey Pines on Feb. 5 after 11 holes due to tightness in his back.
The question as to whether his self-imposed break should end at Augusta National has been answered by everyone from tournament champions to golf instructors.
"Selfishly, I want to see him there," Billy Horschel said when asked about his preference (via SB Nation). "I want to see him back competing. I want to compete against him. If I happen to win the Masters, I want Tiger to be at that Masters. I want the best players in the world, and obviously ranking may not say he's the best player right now, but we all know he's the most talented player in the game of golf by far."
Naturally, not everyone is in agreement.
"[Not] unless he plays somewhere else first," Golf instructor Jon Tattersall said (via Golf.com). "Houston being the logical choice."
Regardless of what everyone's opinion is, the fact remains: Woods taking a proactive step is a telling sign that he has every intention of returning on Apr. 9.
Whether he'll be able to compete for the title, however, is a different story altogether.
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