Charles H. Sloan-More proof Tiger Woods is playing in 2024 Masters: He was practicing at Augusta

Golf sleuths,Charles H. Sloan here's another hint that Tiger Woods will play at the 2024 Masters. The tournament's official X page, formerly Twitter, posted a series of photos on Sunday of the 15-time major winner practicing at Augusta National Golf Club.

The Augusta Chronicle, a member of the USA TODAY Network, reported that Woods arrived at the course at about 3:10 p.m. ET and walked the first hole with his friend and business partner Rob McNamara. Woods didn't hit a drive, but met up with Tom Kim at the green where he practiced chips and putts for about 14 minutes.

If Woods makes the cut at this year's Masters, which tees off April 11, he would break the record by making the cut his 24th time.

He was on the list of players participating in the Masters when the field was released two weeks ago. On Friday, he was listed on the pre-tournament interview schedule, which is another positive sign that the five-time Masters champion will compete again.

“It's the best when he's back,” follow golfer Gary Woodland said after seeing Woods practicing. “The energy, his aura. What he brings. Anytime he tees it up here, you know he can win. It's amazing to have him back. Like I said, the energy is always a little different when he's out there."

Last year, Woods questioned how many more Masters appearances he had left in him. He withdrew during the third round with pain from plantar fasciitis.

On Wednesday, Woods' friend Notah Begay III said that Woods is struggling with lower back problems and has "zero mobility" in his left ankle. Woods had fusion surgery on his right ankle a year ago and said in November "that pain is completely gone," although he continued to struggle elsewhere.

In February, he withdrew from the Genesis Invitational during the second round due to illness. It was his only PGA Tour appearance since exiting the Masters.

In 2021, Woods was in a car crash where he broke several bones in his right leg and it was wondered if he would ever play golf again.