Golf Legends Encourage Tiger Woods After Masters Withdrawal

Nicklaus and Player send messages of support to Woods after injury forces him to pull out of tournament.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 4:58pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting fragmented and overlapping images of a golf tournament, with sharp planes of green, blue, and tan representing the course, players, and spectators.Golf legends offer encouragement as Tiger Woods withdraws from the Masters due to injury.Augusta Today

Golf icons Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player have both reached out to offer encouragement to Tiger Woods after the 15-time major champion was forced to withdraw from the 2026 Masters tournament due to a lingering injury. Woods, who was making his return to Augusta National after a lengthy recovery, was unable to continue playing after the second round due to the flare-up of a previous leg issue.

Why it matters

Woods' participation in the Masters was highly anticipated, as he had not competed in the prestigious tournament since 2024 due to a series of injuries. His withdrawal is a disappointment for golf fans hoping to see the legendary player make another run at the green jacket, and raises questions about the long-term state of his health and ability to compete at the highest level.

The details

Woods struggled with his swing and movement during the first two rounds of the 2026 Masters, ultimately deciding to withdraw after the second day. This marks the third time in the last five years that Woods has had to pull out of the Masters due to injury. The 47-year-old has been working to regain his elite form after a car accident in 2021 that left him with significant leg injuries.

  • Woods withdrew from the 2026 Masters after the second round on April 8.
  • Woods last competed in the Masters in 2024.

The players

Tiger Woods

A 15-time major champion and one of the most successful and influential golfers of all time.

Jack Nicklaus

A legendary golfer who won a record 18 major championships and is considered one of the greatest players in the history of the sport.

Gary Player

A South African golfer who won 9 major championships and is one of only 5 players to complete the career Grand Slam.

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What they’re saying

“Tiger, we are all pulling for you. Get well soon and come back stronger than ever.”

— Jack Nicklaus

“Wishing you a speedy recovery, my friend. The game needs you back out there competing.”

— Gary Player

What’s next

Woods' status for the upcoming PGA Championship and U.S. Open later this year remains uncertain as he continues to rehabilitate his injury.

The takeaway

Woods' withdrawal from the Masters is a reminder of the physical toll his legendary career has taken, and raises concerns about whether he will be able to regain the form that made him one of the all-time greats of the sport.