Tiger Woods entered the 2023 Masters in Augusta, Georgia as one of the underdogs. The main reason for this would be his age and the numerous injuries he has been forced to fight through. The tournament favorite could be said to be Jon Rahm. Although there was very little chance that Tiger would win his 6th Masters, the golf legend still managed to participate.
It would be safe to claim that he put on a show as well. Tiger made his 23rd consecutive cut recently and tied Gary Player and Fred Couples for the most cuts made in a row. Despite this huge milestone, Tiger has now withdrawn from the tournament and has left the sporting world in surprise.
Why did Tiger Woods withdraw from the Masters?
Tiger released a statement on Twitter, citing the reason for his withdrawal. He wrote, “I am disappointed to have to WD this morning due to reaggravating my plantar fasciitis. Thank you to the fans and to [TheMasters] who have shown me so much love and support. Good luck to the players today!”
I am disappointed to have to WD this morning due to reaggravating my plantar fasciitis. Thank you to the fans and to @TheMasters who have shown me so much love and support. Good luck to the players today!
— Tiger Woods (@TigerWoods) April 9, 2023
Initially, fans were left concerned for Tiger after a video went viral. It was right after he had made the iconic cut recently. However, Woods looked to be in obvious discomfort and had some trouble walking without pain. At first glance, it seemed like he had injured his right leg.
Tiger Woods. Painful to watch. 😬 pic.twitter.com/kMV9WxViQo
— McNeil (@Reflog_18) April 8, 2023
Although many believed that it could be because of his horrifying accident in LA in 2021, that is not the real reason. Tiger suffered plantar fasciitis, which causes inflammation in tissues in the area that connects the heel of the bone to the toes. This has been the reason why Tiger could not walk as usual in the video.
The 5x Masters champion had to withdraw from the Hero World Challenge in 2022 due to the same injury. At the time, Tiger told Golf Channel, “You don’t want to go down the surgical route. Injections, surgical, or just stretch and relax, and I chose to stretch and relax.” Surgery was a suitable option for the icon at the time, which would have been a long-term solution.
Now that he has re-aggravated the same injury again, there is a chance that Tiger considers surgery. With that said, there is a chance that he suffers the same injury again, which would not be delightful news for his fans. Retirement seems to be looming in the corner for Woods, who has been through it all in terms of injuries but continues to give it everything on the course.