Woods Says He Will Be Ready Today After Twinge During Practice Round

Tiger Woods, the 19-year-old U.S. Amateur champion, left the course during his practice round at the Masters on Wednesday when he had a muscle spasm in his back, but he felt well enough to play in the par-three tournament later.

“Just a little twinge in my back,” said Woods, who will be paired with defending champion Jose Maria Olazabal in the first round today. “It’s fine. I’ve done this before. I have no pain now. I’m ready to go.”

Woods injured his back on his drive at Augusta National’s No. 5 and winced noticeably when he hit an iron on his second shot. Woods picked up his ball and was taken to the fitness center for treatment.

He refused to say what treatment he had, but his father said it was electrostimulation, anti-inflammatory medication and ice.

The younger Woods played 36 holes Monday and 27 Tuesday.

“I’ve been trying to get him to slow down,” Earl Woods said. “But he’s like a young stallion. When you’re 19, nothing scares you.”

Woods shot a two-over 29 in the par-three tournament.