The most improbable of sports comebacks is underway.
Tiger Woods, fewer than 14 months removed from a catastrophic car accident that threatened his ability to walk, confirmed Tuesday that he intends to play in the Masters this week in pursuit of his sixth green jacket.
“As of right now I feel like I am going to play,” he said. “I’m going to play nine more [practice] holes [Wednesday]. My recovery has been good.”
The news followed half a practice round by Woods on Monday during which he drew a gallery of thousands that was at least five layers deep from tee to green.
Tiger Woods tips his cap on the 18th green during the final round.
(Jae C. Hong / Associated Press)
Tiger Woods putts on the 15th green during the final round.
(Charlie Riedel / Associated Press)
Tiger Woods tees off on the fifth hole during the final round.
(Jae C. Hong / Associated Press)
Tiger Woods reacts after missing a birdie putt on the eighth green during the third round.
(David J. Phillip / Associated Press)
Tiger Woods hits from the rough on the third hole during the third round.
(Charlie Riedel / Associated Press)
Tiger Woods hits out of a bunker on the second hole during the third round.
(Matt Slocum / Associated Press)
Tiger Woods walks along the 16th fairway during the second round.
(Charlie Riedel / Associated Press)
Tiger Woods waits to putt on the 13th green during the second round.
(David J. Phillip / Associated Press)
Tiger Woods hits on the 12th hole during the second round.
(Matt Slocum / Associated Press)
Tiger Woods takes the head cover off of his driver on the 11th tee during the second round.
(Robert F. Bukaty / Associated Press)
Tiger Woods calls his shot after teeing off on the fifth hole during the second round.
(Charlie Riedel / Associated Press)
Tiger Woods waits to play on the second fairway during the first round at the Masters golf tournament in Augusta, Ga.
(Charlie Riedel/Associated Press)
Tiger Woods chips to the second green during the first round at the Masters golf tournament in Augusta, Ga.
(David J. Phillip/Associate Press)
Tiger Woods reacts to his shot from the fourth tee.
(Jamie Squire / Getty Images)
Tiger Woods pumps his fist after a birdie putt on the 16th green.
(David J. Phillip / Associated Press)
Tiger Woods tees off the18th hole.
(Gregory Shamus / Getty Images)
Tiger Woods acknowledges applause on the 18th green.
(Robert F. Bukaty / Associated Press)
Tiger Woods on the ninth tee during a practice round prior to the Masters at Augusta National Golf Club.
(Gregory Shamus / Getty Images)
Tiger Woods putts on the ninth green as Justin Thomas looks on during a practice round prior to the Masters in Augusta, Ga.
(Gregory Shamus / Getty Images)
Tiger Woods on the third tee during a practice round at Augusta National Golf Club.
(Gregory Shamus / Getty Images)
Tiger Woods warms up on the range during a practice round prior to the Masters at Augusta National Golf Club.
(Andrew Redington / Getty Images)
Spectators watch Tiger Woods on the driving range during a Tuesday practice round for the Masters golf tournament.
(Charlie Riedel / Associated Press)
Tiger Woods warms up on the range during a practice round prior to the Masters at Augusta National Golf Club.
(Andrew Redington / Getty Images)
Tiger Woods walks by a large crowd of spectators during a practice round.
(Gregory Shamus / Getty Images)
Tiger Woods and caddie Joe LaCava on the third green during a practice round prior to the Masters.
(Gregory Shamus / Getty Images)
Tiger Woods takes a break during a practice round prior to the Masters.
(Gregory Shamus / Getty Images)
Justin Thomas, left, and Tiger Woods walk on the second hole during a practice round prior to the Masters.
(Andrew Redington / Getty Images)