When Does Tiger Woods Need To Decide On Masters Return?
Tiger Woods will soon arrive in Augusta with a decision on his 2022 Masters expected soon


With the news of Tiger Woods’ arrival in Augusta, the golfing world holds its breath on his decision. Will he play, won't he and when will we find out?
Whilst Woods and his team continue to deliberate, the five-time Masters champion doesn't have an official deadline on when he must inform tournament officials. Entry to the Masters is by invitation only therefore Woods is deemed to be playing until he informs Augusta National representatives otherwise; which explains why he is still listed as 'in the field' on the official website. The 46-year old can go right up to the eve, or even the day of, the tournament should he wish.
That may be the technicalities of the situation but Woods has set a form of precedent himself. In 2014, he was unable to compete in the Masters after sustaining a back injury earlier in the season that would ultimately require surgery. The American announced that to the world on 1 April. Back injuries continued to plague him, forcing him out of the Masters in 2016 and 2017 - something he announced via his website on the Friday before the tournament.
With the 15-time Major champion now in Augusta and actively going through his preparations to determine whether he can play or not, if history is anything to go by, we can expect an announcement almost imminently.
Woods had previously said it was "too early" to decide whether he is able to compete at the Masters and was initially said to be eyeing a return to competitive golf in 2023. Regardless of whether Woods decides to compete, he will be present at the Champions Dinner on the Tuesday before the tournament, with his nameplate also being recently spotted on the scoreboards that are scattered around Augusta National.
Get the Golf Monthly Newsletter
Subscribe to the Golf Monthly newsletter to stay up to date with all the latest tour news, equipment news, reviews, head-to-heads and buyer’s guides from our team of experienced experts.
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've Written About Golf Deals For 5 Years, And This Might Be The Best Discount I've Ever Seen
With years of experience looking at golf deals, it takes a lot for me to get excited, but this Big Spring Sale deal has certainly done so...
By Sam Tremlett Published
-
Legendary Short Game Instructor Dave Pelz Dies Aged 85
The renowned short game expert, who coached multiple Major winners, passed away at the age of 85, with the golf world paying their respects to Pelz
By Matt Cradock Published
-
'Technically The Easiest Major To Win' - Jordan Spieth Delivers His 'Hot Take' On The Masters That 'Augusta’s Just Blown Up More Than It Probably Should Be'
Jordan Spieth says that The Masters is "technically the easiest Major to win" as he delivered his "hot take" on Augusta National
By Paul Higham Published
-
What's A 'Scottie Style' Cheeseburger? Scheffler Explains Masters Champions Dinner Menu...Including The Dish He Injured His Hand Making On Christmas Day
Scottie Scheffler ran through his second Masters Champions Dinner selections - including his very particular way of eating cheeseburgers
By Paul Higham Published
-
9 Big Names Set To Miss The 2025 Masters
We take a look at the big names and notable players who haven't yet qualified for the first men's Major of the year...
By Elliott Heath Published
-
'I Don't Think I Could Have Won The PGA Without Blowing The Masters' - Brooks Koepka Believes Augusta 'Choke' Can Fuel Quest For Double-Digit Majors
Speaking to LIV Golf's Rick Shiels in a match on YouTube, Kopeka revealed how he dealt with defeat at the 2023 Masters and how it helped him land Major No.5
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
I’ve Looked Through The Early 2025 Masters Odds And These 5 Players Are Currently Crazy Good Value
The Masters is drawing nearer and nearer and, right now, you can grab some crazy odds on certain players ahead of the main event at Augusta National
By Matt Cradock Published
-
The 18 Golfers Making Their Masters Debut In 2025
While there will be plenty of Masters experience at the 2025 Major, for 18 players, it will mark their first appearance at the Augusta National tournament
By Mike Hall Published
-
Which LIV Golfers Are Qualified For The 2025 Masters?
We take a look at the LIV Golf stars who have qualified for the 2025 Masters at Augusta National
By Paul Higham Published
-
Meet The 5 Amateurs In The Masters 2025 Field
Five amateurs have qualified to play at Augusta National in The Masters this year - find out how they did it ahead of the first Major of 2025...
By Jonny Leighfield Published