Nicklaus expects Masters return for Woods

Eighteen-time Major winner Jack Nicklaus is expecting Tiger Woods to return in time for the Masters next month and even suspects his comeback before the season's first Major at Augusta

Tiger Woods & Jack Nicklaus

Jack Nicklaus still believes that Tiger Woods will play at the Masters next month despite the world number one stating he was unsure when he'd be back during his press statement last month.

Woods has not played a tournament since his victory at the JBWere Masters in Australia last November, shortly before news broke of problems in his private life.

But Nicklaus believes Woods - who has won 14 Majors - will be unable to resist the lure of Augusta where he has won the Green Jacket four times.

Asked about Woods' return prior to the Honda Classic, Nicklaus responded: ""I've been very non-committal because it's none of my business.

"But playing golf, my guess as a golfer, he's going to probably try to want to. I suspect he will play something before Augusta, and I'd be very surprised if he doesn't play before Augusta."

On the Woods saga, Nicklaus added: "His personal life is his personal life. He's a professional golfer and he's a sensational golfer.

"He's a great athlete, and he'll figure out his own problems. And as a golfer, he'll come back and get his game in shape and play. That's what he does."

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