Tiger Woods Makes Masters Cut In Dramatic Sunday Finish
Tiger Woods Makes Masters Cut In Dramatic Sunday Finish...
Tiger Woods defied expectations by making the cut at the 2026 Masters Tournament on Sunday, keeping his hopes alive for a sixth green jacket. The 50-year-old golf legend battled through challenging conditions at Augusta National, finishing his second round just under the cut line as weather delays pushed play into the weekend.
Woods' performance has drawn massive attention as he continues his comeback from severe leg injuries sustained in a 2021 car accident. Sunday's coverage saw record viewership numbers as fans tuned in to see if the five-time champion could extend his record streak of 24 consecutive Masters cuts made.
The tournament faced multiple weather suspensions on Friday and Saturday, creating a packed Sunday schedule. Woods completed his second round early Sunday morning with a crucial par save on the 18th hole. His 1-over-par total through 36 holes placed him tied for 42nd entering the third round.
Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley confirmed this marks Woods' first weekend appearance since his 2022 comeback. "Tiger's perseverance continues to inspire," Ridley told reporters. The dramatic finish comes exactly 27 years after Woods' historic first Masters win in 1997.
Sunday's coverage airs on CBS from 3-7 PM ET, with featured group streaming available on Masters.com. Woods will tee off for his third round at 1:45 PM ET alongside rising star Tom Kim. Tournament officials expect large crowds following Woods' group as he attempts to climb the leaderboard.
Viewership records could be challenged if Woods remains in contention through Sunday's final round. His 2019 Masters victory remains the most-watched golf broadcast of the past decade. Sportsbooks have adjusted Woods' odds from 100-1 to 40-1 following his cut performance.
The Masters cut line fell at 4-over-par, eliminating several top-ranked players including US Open champion Matt Fitzpatrick. Defending champion Scottie Scheffler leads the field at 8-under-par through two rounds. Scheffler and Woods last played together in the final pairing of the 2022 Masters.
Woods' continued presence in the tournament provides a significant boost to CBS's weekend coverage. Network executives reported strong early ratings for Saturday's delayed broadcast. The tournament marks Woods' first major appearance since undergoing additional ankle surgery last fall.
Golf analysts note Woods' iron play has been surprisingly sharp despite limited tournament preparation. His driving accuracy remains a concern, having hit just 12 of 28 fairways through two rounds. The soggy course conditions may help Woods by reducing the premium on distance off the tee.
Augusta National members reported unprecedented ticket demand for Sunday's rounds. The secondary market price for Sunday badges has tripled since Woods made the cut. Tournament officials have implemented additional security measures around Woods' player movement between holes.
Woods' performance comes during a resurgent period for golf viewership. The PGA Tour recently signed new media rights deals worth over $7 billion. Sunday's final round could provide the season's first major ratings test for the sport's new broadcast partners.
