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Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy share a conversation as they both practice in Augusta before this week’s Masters
Tiger Woods was again the main topic of conversation at the Augusta National on Tuesday as he confirmed that he plans to return to his long-awaited action at The Masters on Thursday.
The presence of the five-time champion has been welcomed by his fellow professionals, some of whom are happy to see the spotlight on the former World No. 1.
Here’s what some big names have to say about the possibility of competing with Woods again this week.
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Woods has confirmed that he plans to return to his long-awaited action at The Masters on Thursday.
Rory McIlroy: “The tiger was wonderful for all of us in this house. He concentrates on playing golf which no one else can. That’s great for his peers. It’s great for the media. It’s great for this golf club. It’s great for everyone. So, any time Tiger Woods is involved, that’s a nice thing.
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McIlroy says Woods’ return to the Masters has made it easier for others to prepare because they have less attention and have also touched on his rush for the Grand Slam over the years.
“I think given the competitive nature of it, whether he’s on the field or not, I don’t think it will really change much. You’re trying to focus on yourself, and if you play well he can’t stop you from shooting 67. It’s not like any other game. So, I don’t think that changes too much.
“I spent some time with him at home and there is golf. He is beating well. He’s chipping well. He is sharp. That’s just the physical need to get about 72 holes here this week. This is probably the question mark. But there is golf. “
Justin Thomas: “No one has the same work ethic and determination. I have never seen anything like this in terms of setting your mind on something and setting a goal for yourself and proving yourself and everyone else.
“The days, weeks and months that he couldn’t do anything and did the same thing every single day will be seen as an opportunity to get better and stronger and to be one percent better that day.
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Justin Thomas says Woods has been a good person for golf advice throughout his career.
“Unfortunately, he has gone through a lot of things, whether it’s a specific type of injury or not, but he’s been through this process before. He knows better than anyone else, but what he can do with everything is still incredible. “
Jordan Spith: “I think he’s playing and playing and playing and playing potentially well with staying healthy is very good for golf and all of us, wherever he is in general. Clearly, no stage is brighter than this week.
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Woods has announced his intention to play for The Masters this week, believing he can win in August.
“He seems to be a great soul, a great mover. It’s amazing if you think about where he was a year ago, I don’t know how many people, if any, could be here – and it’s not an easy walk. So to stay here and not throw in a mix of her age, but I don’t think it will help much to recover, but is anyone wondering?
John Raham: “There is a lot of electricity in the air, and you have tigers. Monday seemed like Saturday to a regular event.
“[Tiger’s presence] Rory (McIlroy) can help. I know this week can be tough because whenever he comes here he will hear about the Grand Slam, and maybe it can help keep Tiger here.
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John Rahm says he was not given much advice on the tour no matter how many times Woods asked him.
“One thing we all know for sure is that the Tigers are definitely going to win the PIP (Player Impact Program) in three days of golf here in three days. So I think it’s the biggest impact for all of us. We are all playing number 2 now. That’s it. “
Dustin Johnson: “He is one of the best players in the game and especially in our age, so any time he pulls it off, especially after his injury, he will get a lot of attention, which is fine with me. I always like to slide a little under the radar.
“I’m really thrilled that he’s back and he’s playing and he’s walking, for sure, because obviously at one point I didn’t know if that was possible. I think his presence here means a lot, and I hope he can do it on Thursday. “
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Dame Laura Davis says Woods’ win at The Masters this weekend will take any sporting achievement.
Sam Burns: “It’s awesome. It’s great for playing golf. I know everyone is excited to see him play again. It’s significant that he’s here. Being able to get his body ready for the game, it’s nice to see.”
“It simply came to our notice then. He is a very hard worker, and he loves this game. You can tell by the way he treats the game. “
Scott Scheffler: “I would say Tiger takes a lot of attention away from all of us, which I think is a good thing for us. She’s used to being in the spotlight. Tiger needle for professional golf. We are all excited and hope he can play this week. I think he said he might still have to make some decisions, but it looks like he’s definitely going to play. So it’s exciting for us, and we’re glad to see him back.
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Check out the highlights of Woods ’five Masters wins
“He has done a lot for professional golf. The tour looks a lot different than it did in 1996, so we’re all very grateful and hopeful we’ll get him back. “
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