The one reason Tiger Woods keeps fighting through pain to compete in majors

After five back surgeries, a life-threatening car accident that resulted in multiple broken bones in his leg and foot and dozens of other injuries over the years, Tiger Woods' body doesn't have much fight left in terms of playing competitive golf. The 48-year-old has withdrawn from three of his last six starts dating back to May 2022, but he explained why he keeps coming back. 

"I love golf," Woods said with a big smile at his press conference ahead of the 2024 Masters. "I do. I've always loved it. I played other sports growing up, but I just have always loved this sport, and I love to compete. To be able to have the love I have for the game and the love for competition be intertwined; I think that's one of the reasons why I've had a successful career. I just love doing the work, love logging the time in and I love preparing. I love competing, and I love that feeling when everything's on fire with the chance to win, and either you do or you don't."

Love. Woods used the word 11 times in his emotional explanation of why he won't quit playing in major championships. It doesn't matter if his back is painfully tight or he's walking with a noticeable limp. Tiger is going to keep competing until his body doesn't allow him to do so. 

Woods has a bit of extra motivation heading into The Masters, too, as he can set the record for the most consecutive cuts made at Augusta National Golf Club if he makes the weekend this year. The 15-time major champion made the cut last season for the 23rd straight year to tie Fred Couples and Gary Player for the most ever, and he'll be motivated to make history in 2024. 

Making the cut isn't his only goal, though.