'Incredible scenes': Fans lose it over 'unbelievable' Tiger Woods moment

Tiger Woods has provided a stunning reminder to the golfing world that no one can pull a crowd like the 15-time major winner.

Rumours of the 46-year-old making an unfathomable comeback at this week's Masters at Augusta continue to gather steam in the build-up to the year's first major, with massive crowds flocking to watch him practice.

'WHAT IS HE DOING': Golf world in shock over 'unbelievable' moment

'IT'S 100% TRUE': Eyebrows raised at wild Donald Trump golfing feat

Woods is hoping to return to competitive golf just 14 months after almost losing a leg in a horror car crash in California that required multiple leg surgeries and threatened to end his playing career for good.

The 46-year-old US star went to the tournament practice area ahead of an expected round, the prospect of his incredible comeback electrifying the atmosphere at the famed course, which welcomed back a full crowd for the first time since 2019 due to Covid-19 limits the past two years.

Huge galleries gathered in attendance, desperate to get a glimpse of golf's biggest superstar as he put his body through the rigours of a potential assault on Augusta National.

They were scenes that resembled the final round of the major - not a mere practice run - as fans lined the course from the tees all the way to the greens to catch a glimpse of the five-time Masters winner.

The extraordinary images left fans gobsmacked on social media.

Woods was hospitalised for weeks and unable to walk for months after an automobile accident, saying he was lucky to be alive and not have his leg amputated.

He required major rehabilitation just to play in an event with his son last December, when he could use a cart and didn't have to walk the entire course.

However, after giving no timetable for a return, Woods played an 18-hole practice round last Tuesday at Augusta National, testing his fitness to walk the hilly course.

Tiger Woods to make 'game-time' decision on playing

Woods said Sunday before playing another nine holes that making a return this week is a "game-time decision" - which could come as late as his Thursday tee time.

Rival golfers couldn't help but get swept up in 'Tiger-mania', with Aussie superstar Cam Smith excited by the prospect of seeing Woods back on the course again.

"Hopefully he does (play) and we can see him back out here playing golf again," sixth-ranked Smith said. "It would be massive.

"He has had a bit of an extended rest. I'm sure he's dying to get out here. He's a competitor and he's looking to take people down. It would be good to see."

The 37th-ranked Max Homa added: "I'm not surprised. I'm amazed. I'd be surprised if it was anyone else that has ever lived. It's a true testament to his work ethic. It's remarkable really."

A start by Woods in Thursday's opening round would be among the more astonishing injury fightbacks in sports history, the five-time Masters champion not having played since defending his title at the 2020 Masters, played in November due to Covid-19.

"It was cool," another Aussie Cam Davis said after enjoying a back-nine tour with Woods.

"He's hitting the shots you should hit. He was playing well. Everything was looking pretty solid. It will be great to see him out here if he decides to tee it up on Thursday.

"Just looked like the work he's been putting in has set him up pretty well for this week if he feels ready."

Four-time major winner Brooks Koepka, seeking his first green jacket, played last year's Masters after knee surgery and struggled getting around the layout.

"I'm happy he's becoming healthier and able to play golf. We need him, the game needs him, everybody needs him, the fans need him, all that stuff," Koepka said.

"I was in somewhat of his shoes trying last year two weeks after surgery. This place isn't exactly an easy walk. I understand what he's up against. It'll be difficult.

"But if anybody can do it, it's him."

with agencies

Click here to sign up to our newsletter for all the latest and breaking stories from Australia and around the world.