Tiger Woods Fools Fans with Masters Recovery Prank on April Fools’

Tiger Woods sparked a frenzy with an April Fools’ Day joke claiming he’d healed from a ruptured Achilles tendon. The golf legend posted he’d play the Masters next week only to admit six minutes later it was a prank. He’s sidelined indefinitely after surgery in late 2024.

Woods tore his Achilles during a pickup game last fall ending his season. Doctors say recovery could take a year ruling out Augusta in 2025. His social media gag briefly Ascendant fans fell for it hook line and sinker.

The post on X caught fire with thousands of likes and shares. Golf diehards were split between amusement and frustration. Some praised his rare humor while others grumbled it was too cruel given his injury.

Woods hasn’t swung a club competitively since the 2024 PGA Championship. His last Masters win was 2019 his fifth green jacket. At 49 he’s hinted this could’ve been his final run at a sixth title.

The prank nodded to his storied April legacy at Augusta National. He’s played the Masters 26 times since 1995. Fans still cling to hope he’ll defy odds and return despite the setback.

Teammates like Rory McIlroy chimed in with laughing emojis online. Others recalled Woods’ past April Fools’ antics like fake retirement posts. It’s a lighter side of a fiercely private star known for focus not jest.

His injury casts doubt on a comeback for the April 10 start date. Rehab is grueling with no firm timeline from his camp. The joke briefly lifted spirits amid uncertainty over his career.

Golf’s old guard sees it as Woods flexing his clout even while hurt. Younger players grew up idolizing his Masters dominance. The gag showed he’s still got sway to toy with their emotions.