The 88th Masters Tournament is set to begin Thursday, as 89 of the world's best golfers will compete to win the coveted green jacket.
Tiger Woods is expected to be among those participating in the tournament. The 48-year-old has played in just one PGA Tour event this season — the Genesis Invitational, from which he had to withdraw with illness — but he doesn't want to miss a chance to tee off at the Masters for a 26th time.
Woods participated in the Masters in 2023 but couldn't finish the tournament because of a nagging leg injury. The former World No. 1 golfer is still dealing with complications from a February 2021 car accident that left him with significant injuries in his left leg and ankle.
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It is remarkable that Woods returned to the golf course at all. He detailed that doctors considered amputating his leg because of the injuries.
Nonetheless, the injuries have complicated golf for the five-time Masters champion, as his former Stanford teammate turned TV commentator Notah Begay III explained.
"He's trying to formulate a strategy and approach that he can work within given the constraints that he's presented with — and he's got some constraints," Begay said, per ESPN. "He's got zero mobility in that left ankle and really has low-back challenges now, which he knew he was going to have."
Those injury issues — and the litany of setbacks Woods has endured — have made it hard for him to remain on the course.
That's why his pre-Masters press conference will be so important. While it's expected he will announce that he intends to play, it isn't clear whether he is dealing with any lingering injury issues or new complications arising during his preparation for the major.
Sporting News is following Woods' press conference live as he updates fans about his health, preparedness for the Masters and what the future holds for the all-time great.
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Woods is expected to speak with the media around 11 a.m. ET Tuesday. Sporting News will provide updates about what the former World No. 1 golfer says about his status for the Masters then.
10:40 a.m. — While Woods is certainly on the back nine of his career, it was only five short years ago that he captured the coveted green jacket for the fifth time.
10:30 a.m. — Woods' return to Augusta comes with a little bit of added pressure, knowing that he's never missed a cut at the Masters as a professional.
10:20 a.m. — Will Zalatoris, who is also returning to the Masters after an injury, says Woods "looks great" and is, "moving as well as he can be."
10:10 a.m. — Woods is expected to meet with the media at the top of the hour, so there's some time to explore the latest and greatest in the world of the golf legend. Here's an update from ESPN's Jeff Darlington.
Golf Channel's "Live From the Masters" airs daily Masters week, covering all press conferences live Monday-Wednesday. Tiger Woods' Masters press conference is scheduled to start at 11 a.m. ET on Tuesday.
SN's Jacob Camenker contributed to this report.
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