Tiger Woods’ future in doubt as golf legend raises retirement question after he is forced to pull out of Masters
NICK FALDO praised Tiger Woods for battling so hard to make the cut at Augusta – but questioned whether his fellow Masters legend could keep putting such a massive strain on his body.
The six time Major winner said it was almost unbelievable that Woods had been able to survive the first 36 holes in atrocious weather conditions, while the likes of Rory McIlroy and Justin Thomas flopped.
But it was no surprise when Woods withdrew from the tournament before the final day, admitting the effort had taken a big toll on his battered body.
And Faldo told his Twitter followers that Tiger’s latest injuries were much worse than the ones he was carrying when he won the 2008 US Open on one leg.
Woods defied knee ligament damage and stress fractures in his leg that week, but Faldo commented: “Unfortunately, this injury is worse than the US Open.
“The amount of rehab each and every day is brutal. Feels even worse if you’re not shooting a decent score! How long can he keep putting himself through that?”
Fellow Major champion Jason Day said it was tough to see his close pal “labouring” so badly, especially after he had looked really sharp when they practised together last week.
Day commented: “It was obviously difficult to watch because he had to come out and then play through some shocking weather in the morning, and then he had to take a little bit of a break and come back out and play again.
“He looked like he was labouring pretty hard. It wasn’t the perfect conditions for him to say the least, but what an effort to be able to at least get through the second round, and at least make the cut.
“It’s disappointing for him to have to withdraw, but that’s just kind of where he’s at with how his body is right now.
“When we practised together he did a lot of work, and was really upbeat. His short game looked tremendous. It’s just the weather got him. That’s just how it is.
“When the weather’s okay he can still play. I was warming up next to him, and his shots still have that great clip. it’s just distinct sound that a majority of the guys out here don’t have.
“It was good to see him play well and make the cut in those conditions, especially to tie the all time record of consecutive cuts. That’s unbelievable. Another thing that he has to put on the trophy cabinet
“He’s a mate, and I’ll reach out to him soon. I’m sure everyone will. You could see how bad he was feeling from the TV footage, but it still sucks that he’s not able to finish the tournament.”