‘Greatest thing for sport’ – Golf’s elite react to Tiger Woods’ potential Masters return after practice round at Augusta

TIGER WOODS’ practice round at Augusta has fans and golf’s elite excited over a potential return to the Masters.

The golf legend hasn’t played a competitive round for more than 500 days.

Woods was involved in a serious car crash in Los Angeles 14 months ago and he has admitted he was lucky to be alive after suffering horrendous leg injuries.

But the 15 time Major champion sent the golfing world into a frenzy by turning up out of the blue to play a practice round at Augusta last Tuesday.

And on Monday, thousands gathered at the most famous course in America to catch a glimpse of Woods.

A quarter of a century after the first of his five Green Jackets, Woods is still one of the biggest draws.

Woods wasn’t moving completely freely and he was wearing new shoes designed to give extra support to his right ankle, but there was still a smile on his face.

The 46-year-old will give a pre-tournament news conference on Tuesday – when he is expected to deliver the good news that he will play.

Woods could potentially announce he will tee it up on Thursday’s opening day.

The potential return of Woods has excited the likes of Patrick Cantlay, Bryson DeChambeau, Collin Morikawa and Fred Couples.

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Morikawa has recalled watching Woods win in 1997.

He said: “Watching Tiger’s win here in ‘97 was my first actual memory of anything.

“And 2019, I can remember EVERYTHING.

“I was in college. The golf team rented a house and we set up as many chairs, couches, everything, to watch the final round on the massive TV they had.

“We were all just glued to the couch and the TV.”

CANTLAY INSPIRED

Cantlay has said Woods returning to golf will be the “greatest thing for our sport.”

The American, who turned pro in 2012, said: “Like everyone, I was inspired by his performances.

“I’ve dedicated most of my life to playing golf as well as I can but he came as close as anyone to mastering the game.

“I hope that he is able to tee it up this week and play well.

“It would be the greatest thing for our sport. When Tiger plays, there’s definitely a different feel to a tournament.”

If Woods was to confirm his return to action ahead of Thursday, he’s in it to win it.

DeChambeau says he heard the “loud roar” for Woods as he made his way out of the clubhouse.

He said: “From the driving range, we could hear the loud roar when he came out of the clubhouse up to that first tee.

“That was pretty special. I don’t know how he’s done it. It’s very impressive.

“And Tiger is Tiger. You can never count him out.

“He wants to come back here and win.”

Woods’ performance at Augusta has been praised.

Couples, 64, says Woods “looked OK” whilst out on the gorgeous green.

The Hall of Famer said: “He bombed it off the tee, bombed it.

“I thought he looked OK but you know Tiger, he’s not going to let on if he’s in pain.”