Mark O'Meara backs Tiger Woods for Masters

Mark O'Meara has said that he thinks Tiger Woods will compete at The Masters next week.

The 39-year-old has struggled with a loss of form and fitness problems and recently slipped to 104th in the official world rankings.

However, he played a practice round in Augusta earlier this week to heighten speculation that he will make an appearance at the year's first major championship.

"Deep down I think he will play," O'Meara told reporters. "I hope he plays but I also understand he is doing what he needs to do for him. Everybody struggles in the game of golf and no-one is immune to struggling.

"Let's face it, for a long time Tiger didn't have to struggle and nobody dominated a sport like he did."

Woods has won The Masters four times in his career, with his last victory at the tournament coming in 2005.