Tiger Woods Is Still Practicing and Still Won't Tell Anyone If He's Playing the Masters
Reports confirm Tiger Woods has continued practicing since his DUI arrest, and the Masters field still lists him. But he hasn't made a decision, and the clock is ticking on golf's biggest question.
Kyle Reierson So here’s where we are with Tiger Woods, and honestly, it’s exactly the limbo you’d expect.
According to NUCLR Golf, sources say Woods has continued practicing since his DUI arrest on March 27 and has made no indication that he’s decided either way on the Masters. The updated Masters field posted today still includes his name.
Which means we’re doing this. Again. The annual Tiger-at-Augusta guessing game, except this time it comes with a mugshot and a misdemeanor charge.
What We Know
The facts, stripped of speculation:
- Tiger was arrested March 27 after a single-vehicle rollover crash in Jupiter, Florida
- He was charged with DUI with property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test — both misdemeanors
- His breathalyzer showed no alcohol, but officers said he showed signs of impairment (likely medication-related, per the 2017 pattern)
- He spent about eight hours in custody before being released on bail
- He has not spoken publicly since the arrest
- He is practicing
- The Masters field still lists him as a past champion
As a past champion, Woods has a lifetime exemption. Augusta National isn’t going to uninvite him. The decision is entirely his.
The Case For Playing
Tiger Woods has never been the guy who sits out. He played Augusta in 2022 — 14 months after nearly losing his right leg in a car crash. He showed up in 2023 before withdrawing. He ground through 72 painful holes in 2024 at 16 over par.
The man is practicing. That tells you something about his mindset. If he had decided to skip, you’d think the clubs would be in the garage.
And let’s be real — part of Tiger’s identity is showing up when everyone thinks he shouldn’t. He’s built an entire second act on defying expectations.
The Case Against
Former Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley said what a lot of people are thinking: “I would think his whole life is in turmoil at this moment in time.”
McGinley doesn’t expect Woods to play. And the logic is sound:
- His TGL Finals appearance showed a player who’s nowhere near competitive form
- He hasn’t played a real PGA Tour round since the 2024 Open Championship
- The 7th back surgery was only 5 months ago
- The DUI optics at Augusta — cameras everywhere, every step scrutinized — would be brutal
- We already argued he should skip, and nothing has changed
The Masters is 10 days away. At some point, he has to make a call. And knowing Tiger, he’ll probably wait until the absolute last second — maybe even until he’s standing on the practice range at Augusta on Monday — before telling anyone.
What Happens Next
The Valero Texas Open starts Thursday and has its own Masters drama. But make no mistake — every press conference, every interview, every pre-tournament presser this week will start and end with the same question:
Is Tiger playing?
He’s the only person who knows. And he might not even know yet himself.
For the full timeline of Tiger’s wild month, read our breaking news coverage of the arrest and our take on whether he should play. The Masters field is (almost) set — with or without him.
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