Five-time Masters champion Tiger Woods hits balls at the practice facility Sunday afternoon at Augusta National Golf Club. Rob Schumacher-USA TODAY Sports

Tiger Woods impressing in practice ahead of Masters?

Tiger Woods may have said he is a " game-time decision" to compete in the Masters, which gets underway this Thursday, but that hasn't simmered excitement surrounding the prospect of the 15-time major winner making a return to the links.

With Augusta National closed to the press on both Sunday and Monday, it's still only speculation at this point how Woods looks playing a full 18 holes -- let alone doing it multiple days in a row. Nonetheless, those able to get a glance at him practicing can't help but be excited about how good the 46-year-old looks in practice.

Stories have leaked out -- surprise surprise -- that he looks as sharp as he did prior to a car accident 14 months ago that threatened not just his career but his life.

Of course, Woods competing in the event is no indication as to how he'll compete in general -- he would still be a long shot to make it all the way to the final round on Sunday. Still, given his surprise Masters victory in 2019,  it's hard not to get excited that he might rock the green jacket yet again.

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