Woods return at Augusta Masters tournament will not be surprising: Nicklaus

Melbourne, Mar 4 (ANI): Golf legend Jack Nicklaus has said he will not be surprised if Tiger Woods makes his return to competitive golf at the Augusta National.

Speculation about Woods's return to the golfing circuit has escalated with further reports of practice sessions on the golf range at Isleworth near his family home in Orlando.

"I suspect he'll play something before Augusta," Nicklaus said at the PGA National course, where the Honda Classic is due to start on Thursday.

"It would surprise me if he didn't. I can't imagine in 100 years he's going to miss this. None of you guys do either. But I don't know. I don't know. I've been very noncommittal about anything because it's not my business," FOX Sports quoted him, as syaing.

"But as it relates to him playing golf, my guess is as a golfer he's going to want to try to play Augusta if he's got his other things in order," Nicklaus added.

An insider suggested that the world No.1-ranked player is getting back into a regular golfing routine for the Masters at Augusta.

Woods has won the Masters in 1997, 2001, 2002 and 2005, equalling Arnold Palmer's four wins (1958, 1960, 1962, 1964) and behind Jack Nicklaus's record six victories (1963, 1965, 1966, 1972, 1975, 1986).

The Masters tournament at Augusta commences on April 8. (ANI)