Tiger Woods set to break practice record by choosing surprise partner for Masters 2018
TIGER WOODS has chosen long-time rival Phil Mickelson as his Masters practice partner, according to reports.
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The pairing is expected to attract the largest ever crowd for a practice round in Augusta.
Woods and Mickelson are will round together for the first time and they will tee-off in the morning session alongside Fred Couples and Thomas Pieters.
Couples is said to be the player who let slip about the partnership as he quipped: "I think Thomas and I will just watch."
Woods is due to hold his pre-tournament press conference at 6pm (BST) this evening, following the conclusion of his practice session.
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The former world No 1’s decision to play with Mickelson has surprised many supporters as he is the main reason the five-time major winner never reached the top of the world rankings.
The duo continuously battled each other for Major honours with Woods dominating 14-5.
A number of journalists on Twitter have also confirmed that the pair will go out on the course together this afternoon.
One wrote: "So this will be an actual practice-round group Tuesday at the Masters: Tiger, Phil, Freddie and Thomas Pieters.”
Woods will round with Mickelson this afternoon
While another user added: “Phil and Tiger are paired for tomorrow’s [Tuesday’s] practice round at @TheMasters. Don’t worry about what time they tee off. You should be able to hear the roar of the crowd from where you are. #TheMasters #AugustaNational.”
And another wrote: “Tiger. Phil. Practice round tomorrow [Tuesday]. 9 holes.”
Woods has recently returned from lower-back surgery with a bang and now hopes to secure his first major win in 10 years when the Masters gets underway on Thursday.