Tiger Woods is set to make an extraordinary return to action at The Masters next week, with the 48 year old having been working towards a comeback for months

Tiger Woods will return at the Masters, where last year he fired off 4am text messages to goad his o (Image: GETTY)

Tiger Woods is preparing for a blockbuster comeback at The Masters next week, after undergoing a long and arduous fitness programme to compete for the green jacket at Augusta.

The situation mirrors that of 2023, when Woods was hitting the gym at all hours, in order to be in prime condition. The sporting legend wasted no time in getting under the skin of his rivals, by reportedly firing out 4am text messages to a some fellow golfers and beginning the mind games.

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The 48 year old had to take a break from golf for seven months after withdrawing with injury at Augusta, 12 months ago. He made a short return during the winter but had to postpone his full PGA Tour return after coming down with flu during the Genesis Invitational in February.

Woods started playing again earlier this month, joining in the Seminole Pro-Member which also had Rory McIlroy and Tom Brady. Within the last week the golf icon was also noted to have played a practice round at Augusta, after flying in for early preparation via private jet.

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The five-time Masters and 15-time major championship winner has always wanted to play at this year’s tournament in Augusta. To get ready, he’s reportedly been going to the gym at 4am to do everything he can to be in the best shape.

Former PGA Tour player Brandel Chamblee said back in November that Woods’ rivals had gotten messages from him showing how much he wants to get back to his best this year. According to the Golf Channel pundit, Woods had texted several stars early in the morning, around 4am, to show them how hard he’s working to get back to the top, reports the Mirror.

“I’m in the gym. What are you doing to get better?” Woods was said to have put in the text messages.

Even though the star was a little rusty after his layoff earlier in the year, he’s determined to be ready for the competition at Augusta. He’s already been practising on the greens alongside big names such as Brooks Koepka, Scottie Scheffler, Jon Rahm and McIlroy.

Fans spotted Woods flying to Augusta and, according to Sports Illustrated, watched him playing with chairman Fred Ridley and Justin Thomas.

He might be a bit of an underdog to take home a sixth Masters title, but the event could see Woods make sporting history as he could overtake icons Gary Player and Fred Couples in the record books for the most consecutive cuts made.

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Woods, who’s taken part in the Masters for the last 23 years, hasn’t missed a cut since 1997 when he claimed his first Green Jacket. And despite only playing in one other tournament this year, Woods is said to be determined to keep playing regularly until the end of the year.