Tiger Woods has left fans stunned with his near hole-in-one at the Masters.
Today (7 April) marked the first time the 46-year-old golfer has played solo in a professional tournament since a car crash in February 2021 which saw him lucky to walk away alive.
The par-three sixth of the 86th Masters at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia, became the scene of raucous applause after Woods very nearly scored a hole-in-one.
Having missed out on a birdie at the par-four fifth hole, Woods then seemed to take a mid-iron, hitting the ball just inches away from the hole, The Mirror reports.
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However, his birdie was still massively celebrated by spectators sat alongside the 180 yard par.
Despite missing out on a win and having stated that he doesn't 'show up to an event' unless he thinks he's in with a chance of doing so, before the Masters, Woods reflected how much he loves competing.
He said prior to the tournament: "I feel like if I can still compete at the highest level, I'm going to. As of right now, I am going to play.
"And if I feel like I can still win, I'm going to play. But if I feel like I can't, then you won't see me out here."
It previously looked uncertain as to whether Woods would ever be able to return to the sport again after he sustained injuries to his lower right leg and ankle in the crash, requiring a 'long surgical procedure'.
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At the time, chief medical officer and interim CEO at Harbor-UCLA Medical CentreΒ Anish Mahajan stated: "Mr Woods suffered significant orthopaedic injuries to his right lower extremity that were treated during emergency surgery by orthopaedic trauma specialists at Harbor-UCLA Medical Centre, a level 1 trauma centre.
"Comminuted open fractures affecting both the upper and lower portions of the tibia and fibula bones were stabilised by inserting a rod into the tibia.
"Additional injuries to the bones of the foot and ankle were stabilised with a combination of screws and pins. Trauma to the muscle and soft tissue of the leg required surgical release of the covering of the muscles to relieve pressure due to swelling."
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Office also stated that Woods had been cut out of the vehicle with the 'jaws of life' by firefighters and paramedics.
However, despite the limp he has been left with as a result of his injuries and the pain he had to endure walking across the course, Woods still made red numbers in the Masters.
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His performance spurred on a flurry of celebration and support on social media.
One Twitter user said: "Sorry but Tiger just playing at all is unbelievable but playing this well for me the debate is over Tiger is the Goat..."
Another wrote: "The man, the myth, the legend! Guy is a beast!"
A third commented: "Congrats @TigerWoods on your amazing comeback."
Featured Image Credit: The Masters
