Injury epidemic with Tiger Ryder decline/Phil WDs/Morikawa back/Woodland comeback amid distance surge
Key Questions
What injuries are affecting top players at the 2026 Masters?
Collin Morikawa is back after injury, tanking his day-day odds by 3%; Rory McIlroy has spasms; Scottie Scheffler post-layoff.
Is Tiger Woods playing in the 2026 Masters?
No, Tiger is in rehab and out, marking a 32-year first without both him and Phil Mickelson, who withdrew.
What is Tiger Woods' Ryder Cup status?
Tiger declined the 2027 US Ryder Cup captaincy amid his decline and rehab.
How has driving distance trended on the PGA Tour?
PGA Tour average driving distance has surged to 302.6 yards.
What is Gary Woodland's status?
Woodland is mounting a comeback at the Masters.
Why did Phil Mickelson withdraw from the Masters?
Phil WD, contributing to multiple withdrawals amid the injury epidemic.
Are favorites like Rory and Scheffler uncertain?
Yes, both start with big questions: Rory's spasms and Scheffler's layoff.
What other notable absences or retirements?
Masters set for first time in 32 years without Tiger and Phil; Nick Faldo explained early retirement from majors.
Morikawa back 3% day-day tanks odds; Tiger rehab out +Ryder decline; Rory spasms; Scheffler layoff; multi WDs; PGA 302.6yds; Woodland comeback.