Tiger Woods is absent from the Masters because the golf icon is still 'reeling' from the tragic death of his mother, according to reports.
The 49-year-old has won the famous competition five times over the years, establishing himself as one of the best players to ever pick up a club in the process.
However, Woods isn't at Augusta this April while he continues to recover from an Achilles problem.
Earlier this week, the Masters' Champions Dinner ushered in the start of the iconic event.
Tiger Woods is absent from the Masters because the golf icon is still 'reeling' from the tragic death of his mother
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Yet Woods wasn't present, with the 49-year-old instead choosing to skip the special moment.
Now, according to the Daily Mail, the American 'wanted to respect the event and not overshadow anyone else with his presence'.
Furthermore, an insider has told the publication that Woods is continuing to grieve following the death of his mother, Kultida Woods, back in February.
Woods recently confirmed his relationship with Vanessa Trump, who was previously married to Donald Trump Jr before the pair split back in 2018.
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It's also been claimed that the golf icon doesn't want his new romance to be a big talking point, despite posting it publicly.
"The Masters is all about tradition and not to parade an agenda or your new girlfriend," said a source.
"Tiger doesn't want to be a distraction especially since he isn't playing."
Another insider added: "He saw the media brouhaha when it came out that he and Vanessa were dating, and he didn't want to bring that to Augusta.
Tiger Woods' mother, Kultida Woods, tragically died in February
GETTY
"It would become a sideshow, and Tiger now tries to avoid as many circuses as possible.
"He views Augusta - and the Masters specifically - as sacred ground, and he doesn't need to turn it into something all about Tiger Woods and the president's ex-daughter-in-law."
Meanwhile, it's unclear what the future holds for Woods and his golf future - with the legend battling injury issues over the past decade.
Some believe the 49-year-old will have no choice but to call it a day in the near future due to his ongoing problems.
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However, golf legend Jack Nicklaus believes Woods will continue to play for the time being before then going on the Senior Tour.
"Tiger is hurt. I think Tiger will get well and Tiger will be back and play," he said.
"Tiger will be 50 next year. I believe he'll probably play the Senior Tour and I believe he'll probably dominate the Senior Tour.
"Tiger is too much of a competitor to not play. I don't believe he will not play. I believe he will play.
Tiger Woods last won the Masters back in 2019GETTY"I don't think Tiger will play for money. He doesn't need money.
"Tiger will play for competition. He loves competition, and he's very good at it, obviously.
"Tiger has had his issues, and he's overcome most all of them each time he's had them. I fully expect him to do that again."
