Despite his current lack of activity on the golf course, this is going to be a busy period for Tiger Woods. The five-time US Masters champion will be teeing it up at Augusta once again, as he looks for that elusive 16th Major title.
Meanwhile, Woods’ legacy will continue, with news that his El Cardonal course in Mexico will host a PGA Tour event for the first time. There’s a lot to deal with over the next few months, but Tiger must now focus on his own game.
Tiger’s Masters Hopes Ranked
“PA Air Guard veteran partners with Tiger” (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0) by PANationalGuard
Tiger Woods will start among the outsiders for the 2023 US Masters, but it should be remembered that he was given little chance of winning the trophy in 2019. While current US Masters odds list Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy as joint 7/1 favourites, Woods is way down the field.
Tiger will start behind a chasing pack that includes former Major champions including Dustin Johnson, Jon Rahm and Patrick Reed. Anyone looking to bet on golf in the coming weeks will find the 2019 Masters champion out at odds of 50/1.
It’s not an encouraging picture, and success for Tiger means hitting different targets these days. He, and his legions of fans, are likely to be happy if he simply makes the cut and remains in the tournament for the entire four days.
Fitness is an issue, but are there signs that Tiger can reach that goal?
Recent Performances
Tiger Woods last took to the course at the Genesis Invitational back in February in a tournament that is close to his heart. Organised by his own foundation, it’s clearly an event where he wants to be seen playing a full role.
Woods didn’t disappoint his fans. Despite a clear limp, he made it through the four days, eventually finishing in a tie for 45th. This was a clear improvement on his previous appearance when he was cut at the Open Championship back in July.
At Augusta, on a course that suits his game, there is a good chance that he can better that 45th placed finish.
PGA Tour Turns to Tiger’s Course
“AT&T National Golf Tournament @ Congress” (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0) by Chase McAlpine
There are many parallels between Tiger Woods and the great Jack Nicklaus. They have won many Major tournaments and both men are course designers.
Woods’ venue at El Cardonal at Diamante in San Lucas, Mexico has hit the headlines, with news that it is set to assume hosting duties on Tour. After the Mayakoba course switched allegiances to LIV Golf, Tiger’s location has stepped in to accommodate the Worldwide Technologies Championship this autumn.
It promises to be a testing course with some spectacular scenery and it’s hoped that Tiger will be fit enough to take his place in the field.
Those fitness concerns mean that Tiger Woods may not transition to the senior Tours like many of his contemporaries. His playing future may be uncertain, but he’ll continue to compete in Majors for as long as he can, while his passion for course design will see him involved for a long time yet.