Five-time champion Tiger Woods is planning to play in this week’s Masters just 14 months after suffering life-threatening injuries in a car crash.
Woods will play nine holes on Wednesday before confirming the decision.
But in a news conference at Augusta National yesterday the American said “as of right now, I am going to play”.
When asked if he thought he could equal Jack Nicklaus’ record of six victories he replied: “I do. I don’t show up to an event unless I think I can win it.”
While conceding that if he never played again he would be content with his haul of 15 major titles – three behind Nicklaus’ all-time record – and joint-record 82 PGA Tour titles, Woods said he still has the desire to compete.
“I think 82 is a pretty good number and 15’s not too bad either,” said the 46-year-old, who will tee off at 15:34 BST in round one on Thursday.
“I feel like I can still do it. I still have the hands to do it, the body is moving good enough. I have been in worse situations and won tournaments.
“I feel like if I can still compete at the highest level I am going to, but if I feel like I can’t, you won’t see me out here.”