The five-time champion suffered life-threatening injuries 14 months ago, after he crashed a car while speeding.

Woods at one stage feared his leg may need to be amputated with his career considered under threat.

The 46-year-old confirmed earlier this week his intention to start at the invitation-only event.

Woods, who has won 15 majors in his career, has been paired with South Africa’s Louis Oosthuizen and Joaquin Niemann of Chile in the opening two rounds, with play due to get underway tomorrow.

He is one of 18 past winners of The Masters who will compete in the tournament, due to conclude on Sunday (April 10).

Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama will bid to become just the fourth player to win the tournament in successive years, after Woods, Sir Nick Faldo and Jack Nicklaus.

Matsuyama has been paired with the United States’ Justin Thomas and James Piot.

Piot is in the grouping due to the tradition of pairing the defending champion with the reigning US amateur champion.

World number one Scottie Scheffler will head into the event among the contenders for victory.

The American’s elevation to the top spot followed wins in three of his last five events.

He will play alongside 2013 winner Adam Scott of Australia and Tony Finau of the US.

Justin Thomas, Dustin Johnson and Collin Morikawa are among the leading Americans heading into the first major of the season.

Spain’s Jon Rahm, the 2021 US Open winner, has been tipped as the pre-event favourite.

Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy could complete the career Grand Slam of winning all four majors, with a victory in Georgia.