Brooks Koepka Warns Tiger Woods Of 'Difficult Week' At The Masters
Tiger Woods is in for a 'difficult' week if he decides to compete at the Masters this week, according to the World No.17
Four-time Major champion, Brooks Koepka, has issued a warning to Tiger Woods as he continues his Masters preparation with his involvement said to be a "game time decision."
Speaking of the prospect that Woods will tee it up at Augusta National, Koepka said: "Look, I was in somewhat of his shoes trying last year two weeks after surgery. This place isn't exactly an easy walk. I understand what he's up against. It'll be difficult."
The American suffered a dislocated kneecap last year and had surgery just one month prior to taking part in the Masters. The procedure ordinarily requires a six-month rehabilitation period but the 31-year old could not turn down the chance to slip on the Green Jacket. The injuries would prove to be too much with the American missing the cut.
Recalling the events, Koepka said: "I had to get shot up just to play last year. It's difficult enough to walk, and I mean, the hours before to the hours after it was some of the longest days."
"I don't know everything he's going through. His was a lot worse than mine, so I'm not trying to compare it. I just know it's difficult walking this place when you don't have the same body parts you're used to."
Woods has not played in a competitive event since sustaining near career ending injuries in a car accident in February last year. His last appearance came in the 2020 Masters when he attempted to defend his title; ultimately finishing in a tie for 38th.
The fifteen-time Major champion famously won the 2008 US Open whilst pushing through the pain barrier of two stress fractures and a torn ACL. Koepka believes he will channel the same will and spirit and tee it up this year: "It's a Major championship, it's Augusta. Doesn't matter how much pain you're in, you figure out a way. He'll figure out a way. If anybody can do it, he can."
Get the top Black Friday deals right in your inbox: Sign up now!
The hottest deals and product recommendations during deals season straight to your inbox plus all the best game-changing tips, in-depth features and the latest news and insights around the game.
Woods has played two practice rounds at Augusta, leaving playing partner Fred Couples in awe of his condition. The five-time Masters champion was joined by caddie, Joe LaCava, who was on the bag for Couples during his 1992 Masters win. LaCava previously commented that "he likes the way his guy looks".
The 46-year old is scheduled to speak to the media on Tuesday at 11am Eastern Time with many hoping for official confirmation of his playing status.
James joined Golf Monthly having previously written for other digital outlets. He is obsessed with all areas of the game – from tournament golf, to history, equipment, technique and travel. He is also an avid collector of memorabilia; with items from the likes of Bobby Jones, Tiger Woods, Francis Ouimet, Arnold Palmer, Lee Trevino, Adam Scott and Ernie Els. As well as writing for Golf Monthly, James’ golfing highlight is fist bumping Phil Mickelson on his way to winning the Open Championship at Muirfield in 2013. James grew up on the east coast of England and is the third generation of his golfing family. He now resides in Leeds and is a member of Cobble Hall Golf Club with a handicap index of 1.7. His favourite films are The Legend of Bagger Vance and Tin Cup.
-
I Don't Understand How This $400 Off Driver Deal Hasn't Sold Out
Amazingly you can still get PXGs 0311 XF Driver with $400 off, which is a deal that somehow hasn't sold out yet
By Sam Tremlett Published
-
Large Display, GPS, Versatility And Shot Tracking - Why You Should Reconsider The Apple Watch
Although it may not seem it, an Apple Watch can make a significant impact to your golf game and, right now on Amazon, various models are reduced
By Matt Cradock Published
-
Fresh Drone Images Show Progress Of Augusta National Clean-Up Operation Following Hurricane Helene
Per photos via Eureka Earth on X, several holes at Augusta National appear very different to normal after damage to the course caused by Hurricane Helene
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
Asia-Pacific Amateur Champion Confirms He Will Give Up Major Starts In Favor Of Immediate DP World Tour Chance
China's Wenyi Ding confirmed he will be leaving college and giving up starts at The Masters and The Open Championship in favor of immediately starting his pro career
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
'A Lot Of Damage' To Augusta National But Masters Expected To Be Held As Planned
Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley says The Masters will be staged on time despite extensive damage to the course caused by Hurricane Helene
By Paul Higham Published
-
This Much-Loved Masters Feature Just Made Its Full LIV Golf Debut
The 'Any Shot, Any Time' feature officially launched on the LIV Golf app in Andalucia as Sergio Garcia claimed victory at Valderrama
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
Are Masters Champions Exempt For Life?
Winning the Masters comes with a lifetime exemption to future tournaments
By Joel Kulasingham Published
-
The Amateur Playing In His Seventh Major And Third Masters This Week
Career amateur Stewart Hagestad has made it back to Augusta National after another US Mid-Am victory
By Elliott Heath Published
-
Scheffler The New Tiger? Time For Woods To Say Goodbye? 10 Takeaways From The 2024 Masters
We highlight ten of the key stories to come from the 88th edition of the Masters
By Michael Weston Published
-
Tommy Fleetwood Banks Huge Sum For Local Augusta Caddie After Englishman's Best Masters Result
Gray Moore is a former Augusta National caddie master who was helping Fleetwood out after his regular caddie Ian Finnis was forced to stay home
By Jonny Leighfield Published