Gary Player offers warning for Tiger Woods’ Masters chances

Tiger Woods, by virtue of his five titles, will be invited to the Masters this year, but Gary Player isn’t sure he’ll be able to play. Woods has lifetime exemption and is currently on the longest streak of making the cut at the Masters, but his status remains up in the air. He hasn’t played a tournament this year and has recently been sitting out to mourn his mother’s death. That is one thing, but Player believes there’s another issue that’ll plague Woods’ Masters chances.

Gary Player doesn’t know if Tiger Woods is healthy enough for Augusta

Tiger Woods made the cut at Augusta National last year but clearly struggled and finished dead last. The four-day event was a lot for Woods’ body. He missed the cut in the other three Majors after that, so he didn’t even have to attempt to play for four days.

Gary Player believes that issue might haunt Woods again this year.  “I’m such an admirer of Tiger Woods. You know, he did what he did for golf around the world is remarkable. The same as Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus and a host of players,” Player told SportsBoom.com in an exclusive.

“And, but you know, Tiger Woods’s … legs, your legs are what carry you around. Your legs are what hit the ball, not your hands. And his legs are not in good shape,” Player said. “And The Masters, what people don’t understand, look at that tournament. It’s uphill and it’s downhill and it’s sidehill. And that is tough, tough on the legs.”

Player said he’s just not sure if Woods can handle walking 18 holes on a pretty difficult terrain for four days in a row without suffering greatly and playing poorly. “We hope he’ll play. Everybody wants to see him play,” the 89-year-old golfer said.

Woods has the second-most Masters titles in history behind Jack Nicklaus. A sixth green jacket would tie him with Nicklaus and give him 16 Major titles for his career. However, he’s six years removed from his stunning victory at Augusta in 2019.

His most recent Major title before that was in 2008 at the US Open, so it’s been a while since Woods was a true contender. At 49 and not having the best health, Woods might have a hard time competing if he does decide to play.