Sport World sport
Jack Nicklaus thinks Tiger Woods will play in next month's Masters.
Nicklaus says "it would surprise me" if Woods did not return to competitive golf in time for the Masters, a tournament the embattled world No. 1 has won four times in his career.
"I suspect he'll play something before Augusta," Nicklaus said behind the 18th green at PGA National, where the Honda Classic opens on Thursday. "Your guess is as good as mine. I'd be very surprised if he doesn't play something before Augusta."
Nicklaus has been reluctant to comment much about Woods since the saga involving revelations of infidelity began late last year, saying more than once that someone else's private life isn't any of his business. He reiterated that belief again Wednesday after finishing his Pro-Am round at the South Florida course he redesigned.
A person with knowledge of Woods' schedule told The Associated Press on Tuesday that Woods returned to his home near Orlando, Florida over the weekend after a week of family counseling and resumed practicing for the first time in nearly four months.
Like many, Nicklaus seemed to take that as a sign that Woods could be back sooner than later. The Masters begins April 8.
Woods has never missed a Masters or a U.S. Open since 1995.
Nicklaus is going back to the Masters, a tournament he won six times, as an honorary starter this year. He agreed to take on the role last year, and will join Arnold Palmer for the opening shot of the tournament. In time, he expects Gary Player to join them.
