AUGUSTA, Ga. _ The ageless Fred Couples teed it up in a Masters practice round Monday with a man who appears to have found the Fountain of Youth: Tiger Woods.
Couples came away impressed, telling reporters, "He hit a few drives that were well worth watching, whether you paid for it or are in the tournament like me."
Couples, 58, has had back issues for decades but never spinal fusion surgery. He felt unqualified to play doctor but did offer a bit of swing analysis.
"If you watched him play, there's not much of a back problem," he said. "He's hitting it a long way, and it looks beautiful. Today wasn't any different than it was 10 years ago when we played. It was pretty awesome."
Woods, 42, returned Monday after reportedly preparing at Augusta National on March 22-23. He did not stop to talk to reporters after his nine-hole practice session.
He's set to take questions at 1 p.m. Eastern time Tuesday after a practice round with an intriguing group. Couples said he and Woods will tee it up with Thomas Pieters and _ is April Fools' Day later this year? _ Phil Mickelson.
"Me and Thomas may just sit back and watch," Couples said.
