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PACIFIC PALISADES, CALIFORNIA | Tiger Woods wants to be at the Masters in April.
Whether he’ll be there as a competitor or just for the Champions dinner remains to be seen.
In his first public comments since having a fifth back surgery performed in December, Woods left open the question of when he will play again.
During a brief visit with announcer Jim Nantz during television coverage of the Genesis Invitational, Woods indicated he still is waiting for full medical clearance before returning to competitive golf. Asked specifically if he will be at the Masters, Woods said, “God, I hope so. I’ve got to get there first.”
Woods left the distinct impression that he won’t be playing during the PGA Tour’s Florida swing, which begins this week. Without specifically ruling it out, Woods said he will listen to doctors to determine his next steps.
“I don’t know what the plan is. The plan right now is to go ahead and get the MRI ... and then we can start progressing,” Woods said.
Woods underwent a third microdiscectomy in December to alleviate nerve pain. The procedure was the first since Woods had fusion surgery in 2017.
“I’m feeling fine,” Woods said. “I’m a little bit stiff. I have one more MRI scheduled to see if the annulus is scarred over so I can start doing more activities.
“I’m still in the gym. Still doing the mundane stuff you have to do for rehab, the little things before I can start gravitating toward a little more.”
Asked what he’s done with his golf game, Woods said he’s lengthened his putter. The next step is to be cleared for more activity.
“A lot is based on my surgeon and doctors and therapists, making sure I do it correctly. This is the only back I have,” Woods said.
Ron Green Jr.