Jack Nicklaus Thinks Tiger Will be in 2010 Masters Field
March 4th, 2010- By Bryan Cross
Jack Nicklaus isn’t sure when Tiger Woods may return to the game, but says he thinks the game’s top-ranked player of today will be in the field at Augusta in April for the Masters.
“It would surprise me if he didn’t [play],” Nicklaus remarked. “Oh yeah, I can’t imagine in a hundred years he is going to miss Augusta.”
Nicklaus made his comments from Palm Beach Gardens, site of the Honda Classic this week on the PGA Tour. The 18-time major winner is a participant in the Pro-Am.
“I’ve been very non-committal about everything because it’s none of my business,” Nicklaus stated. “My guess is as a golfer he’s going to want to try and play Augusta if he has his other things in order.”
Woods has won the Masters four times in his career (1997, 2001, 2002, 2005) and has been in the field every year since his first appearance in 1995. In his last victory in 2005, Woods pulled off arguably one of the greatest shots in Masters history when he made a chip shot from behind the par-3 16th hole on Sunday.
Woods however has not played in a tournament since November 15th. Following a single-car accident outside his Florida home on Thanksgiving night, a series of events and allegations unfolded which disclosed Woods’ secret affairs, spanning several years.
Woods made his first public appearance back in February to address several issues, following a three month hiatus. In his speech, he gave no time-frame for which he was to return to the golf course, but did not rule out this year.
“I suspect he’ll play something before Augusta,” Nicklaus remarked. “Your guess is as good as mine. I would be very surprised if he didn’t play something before Augusta.”
If Nicklaus’ assessment is accurate, Woods would likely choose either the CA Championship at Doral, or the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill. Wood’s has a history of success at those tournaments, and is the defending champion at the Arnold Palmer Invitational.
Of Woods’ 14 professional majors, seven have come on the courses slated for this years’ championships.
“He obviously loves Augusta, Pebble Beach and St. Andrews,” Nicklaus stated. “He basically owns all three of those places.”
Nicklaus last played in the Masters in 2005, coincidentally the year of Woods’ last victory there. At the 2010 Masters, Nicklaus will be the honorary starter with Arnold Palmer.
For now, PGA Sportsbooks are not fielding odds on the Majors this season assuming Woods will be in the field.
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- Three Reasons Why Tiger Woods WILL Return for The Masters
- Tiger Woods’ Former Swing Coach Butch Harmon Weighs In On Controversy
- Ernie Els Displeased With Timing of Tiger Woods’ Announcement
- TMZ Sports: Tiger Woods Talks With Tavistock Cup Officials; Return Rumored
- Tiger Woods Back on the Driving Range
