Thousands watch Tiger Woods practice round as golf world awaits Masters decision

Playing partner Fred Couples convinced Woods will play at Augusta and expects him to 'contend'

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  Tiger Woods watches his tee shot on the eighth hole during practice for The Masters at the Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia, April 4 2022. EPA

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  Tiger Woods hits his tee shot on the seventh hole during practice for The Masters at the Augusta National Golf Club. EPA

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  Tiger Woods and Fred Couples share a joke on the eighth fairway during practice for The Masters. EPA

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  Tiger Woods, Justin Thomas and Fred Couples during a practice round prior to The Masters. AFP

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  Tiger Woods walks to the ninth tee during a practice round prior to The Masters as hundreds of fans watch behind the ropes. AFP

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  Tiger Woods plays his shot from the ninth tee during a practice round prior to The Masters. Getty

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  Tiger Woods walks off the ninth green during a practice round at Augusta National. Reuters

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  Tiger Woods plays his shot from the ninth tee during a practice round prior to The Masters. Getty

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  Tiger Woods walks off the ninth green during a practice round at Augusta National. Reuters

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  Tiger Woods on the ninth green during a practice round ahead of The Masters. Reuters

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  Tiger Woods walks with his caddie Joe LaCava on the second hole during a practice round prior to The Masters. AFP

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  Tiger Woods walks to the first tee during a practice round at The Masters. EPA

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  Fans watch Tiger Woods tee off on the first tee during a practice round at The Masters. EPA

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  Tiger Woods walks on the eighth fairway during a practice round at Augusta National. Reuters

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  Tiger Woods with Fred Couples and Justin Thomas on the eighth tee during a practice round at Augusta National. EPA

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  Tiger Woods and his caddie Joe LaCava walk onto the second green surrounded by fans. EPA

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  Tiger Woods hits his tee shot on the eighth tee during a practice round ahead of The Masters. Reuters

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  Tiger Woods tees off on the seventh hole during a practice round for The Masters. AP

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  Tiger Woods tees off on the sixth hole during a practice round for The Masters. AP

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  Tiger Woods hits his tee shot on the fifth tee during a practice round ahead of The Masters. Reuters

Thousands of fans turned out to watch Tiger Woods play a practice round at Augusta National on Monday as the golf world awaits the American's final decision regarding his participation at The Masters.

Every shot by Woods was closely watched by hordes of spectators, who lined the famous course to catch a glimpse of the 15-time major winner who has kept fans in suspense, saying on Sunday his Masters participation will be a "game-time decision."

While Woods gave nothing away on Monday, fans will not have to wait much longer to know his decision, with a news conference scheduled on Tuesday along with the publishing of Thursday's first round tee times.

After two years of Covid-19 restrictions that limited the number of spectators allowed onto the grounds, the galleries were back and so was the unmistakable Augusta National buzz amplified by the sight of Woods working the fairways.

The car crash that 14 months ago had threatened to take Woods' right leg, left him in hospital for three weeks and confined to a hospital-type bed at home for three months seemed a distant misfortune on a picture perfect Monday.

Playing nine holes during an afternoon practice alongside Fred Couples and Justin Thomas, a relaxed Woods did not have the look of a man struggling to make a decision. Rather he had the self-assured air of someone who had made up his mind to be on the first tee come Thursday.

While Woods was tight-lipped, one of his playing partners is certain of what will happen on Thursday.

"I hope everything keeps going Tuesday and Wednesday and I'm sure he's going to tee it up Thursday," said Couples. "It's not shocking because he's the greatest player to ever play. If he can walk around here in 72 holes, he'll contend. He's too good."

Woods has always maintained that he enters every event with the mindset to win it and his fellow golfers say not even coming back from a career threatening injury has changed that approach.

"What's impressive is Tiger won't play here unless he thinks he can win," said three-time major winner Padraig Harrington. "He's not coming to wave at the crowds.

"He's coming to try and win the tournament. It looks like he'll tee it up, and if he does, he feels like he can win, and that's impressive."

If Woods, who was noticeably limping at the end of nine holes, does commit to play it would be his first official tournament since defending his title at the 2020 Masters, played in November due to Covid-19.

As delighted as Woods clearly is to be back playing, the excitement on Monday was surpassed by the fans.

On Monday they lined the entire length of the fairways and were packed 10 to 15 deep around the greens, a smiling Woods soaking up the attention as the cheers echoed through the Georgia pines.

His rivals are also not writing off Woods' participation or even him winning a sixth Green Jacket.

"I've learned long ago never doubt the guy," said Australian Adam Scott, the 2013 Masters champion. "It's exciting that there's the possibility he's going to play this week.

"I really hope he does. I think no matter what it would just be epic."