The Masters 2022: Tiger Woods will think he can win it, says Butch Harmon
- Kevin Palmer
- 5 April 2022
The 15-time Major winner's former coach believes Tiger won't just be making up the numbers if he declares himself fit to play.
The greatest comeback in sporting history?
That is what Tiger Woods may be plotting as he aims to make a sensational return to action at The Masters, according to his former coach Butch Harmon.
Woods is threatening a remarkable comeback less than a year after a high-speed car crash that could have taken his life and so nearly resulted in him losing a leg.
And Harmon believes the 15-time Major winner will only tee it up next Thursday if he believes he can be competitive.
"If he doesn't feel like he can get involved and win again, I don't think Tiger would compete, so it's exciting to think he is getting close to feeling that way," said Sky Sports golf expert Harmon.
"Clearly, he wants to play. He loves Augusta, his record at The Masters is incredible and there's no doubt in my mind that if he comes back, he will think he can win.
"First of all, we are all so relieved he survived that crash and then the big concern was losing his leg.
"Now it's just mind-boggling that he is trying to play at The Masters less than a year after that crash and even if he doesn't win, even if he just makes the cut, it will be amazing to see.
"One thing I will tell you about Tiger Woods, you could never say never with this guy. I mean, if you write him off, he will always prove you wrong.
"He has this tremendous will to survive no matter what it is and he's very competitive in everything he does.
"I never thought we would see him win another Major when he was out for so long last time and then he comes back and wins The Masters in a way none of us will ever forget in 2019. This guy is different to everyone else."
Augusta undulations could test amazing Tiger
Woods played a practice round at Augusta last Thursday and will make a final call on whether he will play The Masters next week, with Harmon suggesting the steep hills on the course could be a challenge for his injured leg.
"The big thing for Tiger is can he walk 18 holes at Augusta on this leg on those hills for four straight days? If the answer is 'yes', I think he will go for it," added Harmon. "If he does play all eyes will be on him and that's the way it will always be for Tiger.
"The standards he set in 25 years is the reason why he has that. It's not just the Major wins, the title wins. It's the 142 cuts in a row he made, which was probably the most amazing feat ever. That's like seven years of never missing a cut, but it doesn't surprise me. I saw this when I worked with him at the start of his career.
"I just think the charisma that Tiger Woods has sets him apart from the rest. You could see it when he was a teenager, when in junior, USGA Juniors and USGA amateur events and it's just carried on.
"He's always done things no one else can do and that's why Tiger Woods is so special."
Watch The Masters live on Sky Sports and NOW. Coverage from April 4-10 will be exclusively live on Sky Sports Golf.
