TIGERWOODS has stated that he will play in the Masters this year.

Five-time champion said, "As of right this moment I feel like playing."

Woods, 46 years old, attracted thousands of spectators to his practice round at Augusta on Monday.

Over 50,000 people are believed to have attended the action to see the 15-time Major winner.

Since his near-fatal car accident in February 2021, the American icon hasn't played in a Major.

Woods was also asked whether he could win the Masters for the sixth time. He replied, "I can."

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At a press conference, he said: "It's great to be back and be able to feel energy and excitement again.

"Hopefully, we will have a great week. I can hit it perfectly. "I have no doubts about what I can physically do from a golf perspective."

Woods admitted that long walks are still difficult for him.

Walking is the hardest part. It is difficult to walk 72 holes. It's a difficult challenge, but one I'm up for.

Woods participated in the December PNC Challenge, a 36 hole scramble on a flat Florida golf course. He and his son Charlie were second to John Daly.

Woods was allowed the use of a cart during that event. He flatly denied any notion that his game was ready for tour.

He said, "I can't compete with these guys right now. No."

"It will take a lot to get to the point where I feel like these guys can compete with me and be at a high-level."

He will finally play almost four months later.

He will be making his 24th appearance at The Masters. In his 23 previous appearances, he has finished in the top 5 12 times.

Thursday's opening round will be Woods' first competition against the best players in the world since November 15, 2020, the last round of the year's delayed Masters.

Two months later, he had his fifth back operation and was still recuperating from it when he crashed his vehicle and rolled it down a hill on a coast road just outside Los Angeles.

Woods sustained severe injuries in that crash. Doctors considered right leg amputation. After reassembling the leg, doctors used screws and pins to fix additional injuries to the foot and ankle.

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