The 15-time major winner, who has triumphed five times at The Masters, has not played on the PGA Tour since November 2020.

Sports Illustrated reported on Tuesday that Woods had arrived at the course to see how his body would stand up to the physical demands of the undulations at Augusta.

The report said a source, who did not wish to be named, confirmed that Woods had arrived with son Charlie, and that World No.7 Justin Thomas, a close friend, was also with them.

Woods' last appearance was at Augusta in 2020, with The Masters having been delayed by seven months in that year due to the pandemic.

He underwent back surgery in December 2020, and was then seriously hurt in a February 2021 single-car crash, when he sustained major leg and foot injuries.

"Sports Illustrated reported on Tuesday that Woods had arrived at the course to see how his body would stand up to the physical demands of the undulations at Augusta."

Woods has since admitted he was lucky to survive, with the 46-year-old slowly recovering from the physical trauma over the past year.

The 2022 Masters marks 25 years since Woods first won at Augusta, when he sensationally triumphed by 12 strokes for his maiden major title.

He last triumphed at the course in 2019, ending an 11-year wait for his 15th major.

The Masters runs from April 7-10, and as a former champion Woods benefits from a lifetime exemption.

He took his first steps towards a return by playing at the PNC Championship with his son in December, but that is a light-hearted event where professionals perform alongside a family member, and Woods was able to use a golf cart to get around.

Speaking last month, Woods said he was a "long way off" a return to competitive action, adding he could not commit to returning to the PGA Tour this calendar year.