A video of Tiger Woods, aired ahead of The Masters, has raised concerns among golf fans (Image: Getty)
Tiger Woods, who is not at Augusta National for The Masters as he continues to recover from a ruptured Achilles, has appeared in a video which left some golf fans worried
Tiger Woods’ pre-recorded video message ahead of the Masters has raised concerns as the golf icon missed the pre-event Champions Dinner.
The 15-time major winner, 49, won’t be in action at the Augusta National this week due to a ruptured Achilles. The injury adds to what has been a rough year overall for the Woods family following the sudden passing of his mother, Kultida, at the age of 80 in February.
Woods is currently focusing on his rehabilitation, foregoing not only the opportunity to compete in one of golf’s most prestigious events but also the rich traditions and fanfare that come with the Masters.
His presence was also missed during a press conference on Tuesday when Augusta National revealed their collaboration with Woods to develop a new nine-hole course and a TGR Learning Lab for kids at Augusta Municipal Golf Course.
While he expressed his enthusiasm for the project in a pre-recorded video, fans couldn’t help but express their worry over his appearance, with several pointing out that he looked unusually puffy-faced.
Comments from concerned fans included: “Absolutely terrible look, Tiger. Sad to see.” Another said: “He’s hurting, and it hurts to see that.”
Some fans were quick to defend Woods amid health speculation. One comment read: “Dude lost his mom, his only living parent. He just had the most devastating injury in all of sports and is trying his best. I bet we’d all look a lot worse.”
One poster agreed, adding: “Give it a rest. He had Achilles surgery a few weeks ago. He probably isn’t even walking yet.” Another pleaded: “Leave him be, man, why you judging his appearance?”.
The absence of Woods from the tournament became a talking point at the end of the Champions Dinner, presided over by Scottie Scheffler following his 2024 victory.
Charles Coody, the 1971 Masters winner, told Golfweek: “We were putting our jackets away and the guys said that Tiger still can’t put weight on his foot.
“They said his weight tolerance just isn’t there to climb up those stairs.” Since clinching his fifth green jacket in 2019, this is the second time Woods has been unable to compete in the Masters.
In 2021, he was recuperating from a serious car accident that resulted in significant injuries. Additionally, he had to pull out mid-tournament in 2023 after making the cut due to a foot injury.
Last year, he overcame his ailing body to make the cut again. The Masters got underway on Thursday, with Scheffler aiming for his third green jacket.
Among the other top contenders vying for the title are Northern Ireland’s own Rory McIlroy as well as the likes of reigning US Open Bryson DeChambeau and the consistent Collin Morikawa.
