Golf legend makes Tiger Woods claim one month before 2025 Masters

Multiple major champion Gary Player says he hopes Tiger Woods plays the 2025 Masters Tournament despite his legs 'not being in great shape'. 

Woods has not played an official PGA Tour event since last July's Open Championship at Royal Troon. 

He had his sixth career back surgery last September has only featured in a hit-and-giggle with his son teenage son Charlie and TGL since. 

Woods claimed at the turn of the year that he wanted to play more to feel sharper for the major championships. 

He planned to tee it up at the Genesis Invitational but withdrew from the annual PGA Tour event he hosts following the death of his mother Kultida. 

There was speculation that the 15-time major champ would be involved this week at the coveted Players Championship. 

But last week Woods told reporters that his heart isn't really into practicing right now. 

It begs the question, will he be involved in the first major of the year?

Player hopes so, but appears to believe injuries and surgery have now taken their toll. 

“I’m such an admirer of Tiger Woods," Player said. 

“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.

"But you know, Tiger Woods' legs, your legs are what carry you around. 

"Your legs are what hit the ball, not your hands."

Player continued: "And his legs are not in good shape. 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.

"I don't know if he can walk around there. We hope he'll play. Everybody wants to see him play."

Woods has played The Masters three times since his February 2021 car crash. 

In 2022, Woods finished 47th with a score of 13-over. 

A year later, he withdrew during the third round and looked in visible agony alongside his then caddie Joe LaCava. 

It was later revealed Woods was suffering from plantar fasciitis. A subsequent fusion surgery has helped alleviate the pain Woods was feeling from that. 

Last April, Woods broke the record for consecutive streaks made, surpassing Fred Couples and Player with 24. 

But he ultimately finished dead last on 16-over. 

Gary Player was speaking to Sports Boom.