Nicklaus believes Woods will return for Masters
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Tiger Woods listens to his caddie Steve Williams during the final round of The Tour Championship in Atlanta in this September 27, 2009, photo. Jack Nicklaus thinks Woods would return at the US Masters. |
Jack Nicklaus said he would not be surprised if Tiger Woods ended his seclusion and decided to play the US Masters at Augusta National next month.
"I've been very non-committal because it's none of my business," Nicklaus told reporters on Wednesday following his pro-am round at this week's Honda Classic at Palm Beach Garden, Florida. "But playing golf, my guess as a golfer, he's going to probably try to (play the Masters).
"It would surprise me if he didn't."
The first major of the season starts on April 8.
Woods is taking an indefinite break from the sport after admitting in December that he had cheated on his wife and has given no time-table for his return to the game.
However, the world No. 1 is reportedly practicing and working out at his home in Florida.
The 34-year-old American, who has won 14 majors, has already missed two tournaments he routinely plays early in the season, the San Diego Open at Torrey Pines and the WGC-Match Play Championship in Arizona.
18 majors
The world No. 1 is chasing Nicklaus' record of 18 majors. Woods has won the Masters at Augusta four times.
Earlier this year, Nicklaus said 2010 would be "a big year" for Woods if he wanted to get closer to Nicklaus' record. Three of this year's majors will be on courses where Woods has been dominant before, Augusta National, Pebble Beach and St Andrews.
Of Woods' 14 majors, half have come on those three courses. Woods has never missed a Masters or a US Open since 1995.
Woods was photographed hitting balls at Isleworth on February 18. One day later, he ended nearly three months of silence by speaking to a small group of associates, a statement that got worldwide attention.
"I do plan to return to golf one day, I just don't know when that day will be," Woods said on February 19. "I don't rule out that it will be this year."
Nicklaus was asked if Woods' presence would make the Champions Dinner, a pre-Masters tradition, different than normal.
The only man with more major championships than Woods didn't hesitate to answer.
"No. It's the Champions Dinner," Nicklaus said. "His personal life is his personal life. As a golfer, he's a sensational golfer. He's a great athlete. He'll figure out his own problems. But as a golfer, he'll come back and get his game in shape and play. That's what he does."
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