Advertisement

Report: Tiger Woods' plane spotted at Augusta airport

There are very few reasons why Tiger Woods would fly to Augusta, Ga. Really, there's probably one: to play at Augusta National Golf Club.

That's why an Augusta Chronicle report that Woods' private plane was spotted at Augusta Regional Airport on Tuesday has fueled speculation the four-time Masters winner will compete there next week.

[DraftKings: Win $1 Million playing Fantasy Golf during the Masters – Sign up for free!]

Woods hasn't played on the PGA Tour since withdrawing from the Farmers Insurance Open on Feb. 5 after 11 holes in the first round, citing back pain. Five days later, Woods released a statement saying he would not play competitive golf again until his game was "tournament ready." Woods skipped The Honda Classic in his hometown of Jupiter, Fla., did not qualify for the WGC-Cadillac Championship and chose not to play in the Arnold Palmer Invitational, a tournament he has won eight times.

The tea leaves seemed to suggest Woods felt "tournament ready" again as friend Notah Begay III told 120 Sports that the 14-time major winner was "50-50" to play in the Masters -- better than Begay's 1-in-10 characterization when Woods announced his hiatus.

Golf World reporter Tim Rosaforte opined Monday that Woods would play at Augusta National on the basis of good scores posted at Woods' home club, Medalist, in Florida and reports from area golf friends who said Woods had the "edge" again.

Woods is yet to announce his plans, though it might be reasonable to expect something in the affirmative on Tuesday. However, Woods is under no obligation to tell Augusta National officials of his plans before his yet-to-be scheduled tee time for Round 1 next Thursday.


Ryan Ballengee is a Yahoo Sports contributor. Find him on Facebook and Twitter.