Tiger Woods image awkwardly looming large next to | Sports News

Tiger Woods will likely be absent from this 12 months’s Masters Tournament, but his presence continues to forged a long shadow over Augusta National. The five-time Green Jacket winner was arrested and charged following a rollover crash close to his Jupiter Island, Florida, home final month, and has since dedicated to searching for remedy.

A choose granted Woods permission to journey overseas to assist the 50-year-old’s rehabilitation efforts. However, for spectators making their approach to this 12 months’s main, Woods’ image will likely be arduous to miss.

A towering Rolex billboard that includes the golf legend dominates Washington Road, the primary route main to the course. Woods is not the only real golfer with billboard illustration within the space — Jack Nicklaus and Jon Rahm additionally characteristic additional up the street. The sight is probably going to raise eyebrows amongst patrons, given the occasions of simply weeks prior. Meanwhile, John Daly’s new Masters store is prepared to go after the native Hooters was demolished.

Regardless of his bodily fitness to compete, Woods had been anticipated to attend this week due to his position in designing a short Par-3 course at The Patch — a close by municipal course renovated by Augusta National, set to open on April 15. Augusta National, nevertheless, confirmed the 15-time main champion’s absence by way of a assertion launched by chairman Fred Ridley by way of the Masters’ X account.

“Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters Tournament fully support Tiger Woods as he focuses on his well-being,” it learn. “Although Tiger will not be joining us in person next week, his presence will be felt here in Augusta.”

Woods issued a heartfelt assertion earlier than departing the United States to consider his restoration. “I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today,” he mentioned. “I am stepping away for a period of time to seek treatment and focus on my health. This is necessary in order for me to prioritize my well-being and work toward lasting recovery.

“I’m dedicated to taking the time needed to return in a more healthy, stronger and more centered place, each personally and professionally. I respect your understanding and assist, and ask for privateness for my household, family members and myself at this time.”

Woods last competed at The Masters in 2023, before making a comeback at this year’s TGL finals just days prior to his crash. He has spent more than a year on the sidelines due to a ruptured Achilles tendon and a back injury, with his last competitive outing before the TGL finals being at the 2024 Open Championship at Royal Troon.

Speaking at SoFi Stadium several weeks ago, Woods addressed his chances of teeing up at Augusta National this year. “As I mentioned, I’ve been making an attempt,” he said. “Just this physique is-it does not get better prefer it did when it was 24, 25.

“It doesn’t mean I’m not trying. I’ve been trying for a while. I’ve had a couple bad injuries here over the past years that I’ve had to fight through and it’s taken some time. But I keep trying. I want to play. I love the tournament. I’ve loved being there since I was 19 years old. It’s meant a lot to me and my family over the years.

“I’m going to be there both approach with The Loop that is going up there [his new nine-hole design at the Augusta municipal course], in addition to the Champions Dinner.”