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Fred Couples: From Green Jackets to Cortisone Shots
Feeling the pain more than ever, Fred Couples, at age 64, is not letting his back decide his fate just yet. With nearly as many cortisone shots in his back as Tiger Woods has green jackets, Couples seemed to be in a reflective mood when he hit the links this Tuesday.
"I don’t know how much it did," Couples admitted after getting back in the game since having to withdraw from an event late in March due to his painful back. It's been a hustle for the golf legend who hasn't seen the end of a tournament since early March after a mishap at last year's Sanford Invitational. It just took one bad step, and boom — down he went.
Talking practice swings, Fred shared that he's adapting his game to avoid those wedges that turn his back to "toast." Still, he's hitting the range, even if just for drivers and 3-woods. His resilience is something to be admired as he enters his 39th Masters appearance, not planning to shoot anything over 80. "I'm just not that kind of person," Couples says with a mix of determination and caution.
High Stakes and Back Aches at the Masters
Playing through discomfort, Couples finds himself in Augusta National, with expectations not as low as one would think. The golfer, who's been resistant to back surgery, is hoping for the best but aware that if it "pops … then I don’t know what’s going to happen." He's got an MRI lined up for the week after, but for now, the focus is on not embarrassing himself with a bad score on the course where he's had both triumphs and setbacks.
With a T-50 finish last year and a history of made cuts here and there, Couples is a known fighter on the green. Will his back hold up, or will the pain shoot his game down? Only the Masters will tell. One thing's clear though: Fred Couples isn't just any golfer — he's a legend playing through the pain.
Fred Couples Battles Back Issues Ahead of Masters
Golf legend Fred Couples, in preparation for his 39th Masters appearance, has been grappling with severe back pain, having withdrawn from recent senior tour events. His injury occurred after a fall in 2020, and despite numerous cortisone shots, the pain persists, particularly pressing when hitting wedges. Couples aims to proceed cautiously, avoiding further strain.
Despite his challenges, Couples remains determined to avoid embarrassment at the Masters. He insists on performing to his standards, aiming for scores far better than 80. However, should his back issue 'pop,' it could be a different story. A scheduled MRI looms, as does the uncertainty of how his back will hold up under the pressure of competition.
Want to dive deeper into Fred Couples' journey at the Masters with his back on the brink? Check out the full tale on Statbet for all the gripping details.
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