Tiger Woods' lack of competitive golf in the build-up to this year's Masters has Andy North fearing another injury setback for the 15-time major winner and wouldn't be surprised if he 'decided he was never going to play again'.
Woods made his long-awaited return at the Hero World Challenge in November last year seven months after undergoing ankle fusion surgery.
He appeared buoyed and optimistic about the season ahead as he confidently aimed to play once a month.
That already looked unlikely as he skipped the Farmers Insurance Open in January before making his first appearance of 2024 at the Genesis Invitational - a tournament that he hosts.
A promising first round soon turned into disaster as Woods was carted off the course on the Friday with his head in his hands.
Tiger Woods is set to make his return at Augusta
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He's been radio silent ever since, raising further questions on where his fitness is going into Augusta.
North, who won the US Open in 1978 and 1985, has been left wondering whether Woods has suffered an injury setback in trying to prepare for Augusta.
"I don't have any idea where we are there," North told GB News.
"I would have thought he'd want to play somewhere in Florida so maybe there's something else going on.
"Maybe his back really isn't good, or maybe he's just not been able to practice enough to really feel comfortable."
Woods is still set to make his return to Augusta - one year after his painful withdrawal.
But the narrative around the 48-year-old has changed going into this year's Masters.
Whenever Woods has previously lined up for a major, there's always been some expectation that he could still do the unthinkable and win.
This time, North feels expectations are up in the air and most people just want to see Woods make it through a four-day tournament pain-free.
The 74-year-old wouldn't even be surprised if Woods suddenly decided to pack it in and make the move into commentary in the near future.
"I don't know what his expectations even are," he added.
Tiger Woods hasn't played since the Genesis Invitational
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"I thought he looked really good walking in LA. then all of a sudden his back gave out on him.
"Is that what we're gonna see the rest of his career? Are we going to see much more of him? Who knows.
"I give him so much credit for trying to do this, for trying to still compete and still work.
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"I think Charlie's probably had a lot to do with that.
"'Come on dad, let's go play nine'. I think there's probably a lot of that going on, which is wonderful for both of them.
"But at the same time, if Tiger decided he was never going to play again, that would be fine.
"He doesn't have to prove to anybody. I think he wants to prove to himself that he still can get out there and put the work in and get it done, but if his body doesn't let him do it - if he were to walk away and sit in a TV booth or build golf courses, good for him."
