Tiger Woods’ absence from this year’s Masters Champions Dinner has left many golf fans questioning his health, especially after a recent video appearance drew unexpected concern online.
The dinner, held each Tuesday of Masters week, is an exclusive event for past winners of Augusta National’s green jacket, a tradition Woods has long been a centerpiece of.
Woods’ video stirs concern
This year, however, Woods was not among the legends pictured at the revered gathering, sparking speculation and disappointment.
It marks only the second time Woods has missed the dinner, the first being in 2021 following his near-fatal car accident.
While fans had hoped for a surprise appearance, Woods remained absent as he continues to recover from an Achilles injury that has cast fresh uncertainty over his career.
Adding to the conversation, a video surfaced this week featuring Woods discussing his latest project: a new nine-hole short course being developed in Augusta.
Despite the announcement’s positive tone, fans were quick to note the 15-time Major champion’s noticeably swollen appearance.
Comments on social media ranged from concern to confusion, with one fan asking, “What is going on with his face?” and another speculating, “Has he been bitten by a bee or something?”
In the video, Woods acknowledged the significance of the moment: “What an honor to be here and to have this moment, to be able to be part of Augusta National but just in a different way,” he said.
“To have the ability to be able to design something that’s going to impact the community, something that I truly believe in… it’s a momentous day for all of us at the TGR Foundation.”
The project, a partnership between Woods’ TGR Foundation and Augusta National, includes both the par-3 course, The Loop at the Patch, and a new learning lab focused on STEAM education for local youth.
Though no return date has been set for Woods’ competitive comeback, his involvement in the Augusta initiative affirms his continued influence on the game.
Still, for many fans, the video raised more questions than it answered.
With his health status largely unclear and his absence from Augusta this week unmistakable, concern lingers over just how close, or far, Tiger Woods is from stepping back onto the course.
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