Piers Morgan has hailed the "steely resilience" of Tiger Woods as excitement mounts over the prospect of the 15-time major champion playing in The Masters this week.
Woods, 46, has not entered a professional tournament since his high speed car crash last February, which left him with broken bones and multiple fractures in both legs. Indeed, he's since admitted that doctors considered amputation, and at one stage the prospect of the icon never taking to a course again was deemed a realistic one.
However, he played the PNC Championship with son Charlie in December, and then last month eyebrows were raised when he was included on the provisional entry list for Augusta. Last Tuesday, he then completed a practice round at the venue with Charlie and good friend Justin Thomas.
On Sunday, Woods, who famously fought back from multiple back surgeries to win a fifth green jacked in 2019, revealed he would be flying back to Georgia to continue his preparations. However, he stopped short of confirming he would be taking to the first tee on Thursday.
“I will be heading up to Augusta today to continue my preparation and practice. It will be a game-time decision on whether I compete," he tweeted.
Images have now emerged of him looking relaxed in practice, prompting a frenzied reaction from fans and pundits. In the early hours of Monday morning, the official Masters Twitter account posted a short video of him on the course, along with the line "Welcome back to Augusta National, Tiger."
TV personality Morgan was among those to react, posting: "Incredible… 13 months ago he had the car crash people said would end his career. There’s nobody in world sporting history with more steely resilience and mental strength than Tiger Woods."
American sports reporter Matt Lively added: "This doesn’t feel real. Tiger Woods is about to make one of the all-time great comebacks in sports.
"How he continues to shock the world and prove everyone wrong is unfathomable, he’s not of this planet. If he plays, it’ll be the most watched golf match ever."
Golf Digest writer Evin Priest revealed how sharp the former world No 1 appeared: "Just watched Tiger Woods on the range here at Augusta National. Warm-up lasted less than 20 mins," he said.
"Worked from wedges up to driver. He did NOT MISS A SHOT. Every shot was flushed. Has not lost any speed."
Woods burst onto the scene in 1997 when he won his maiden major at Augusta by a record 12 shot margin. He currently shares the record for the most PGA Tour wins in history, 82, with the iconic Sam Snead.
