Record major winner Jack Nicklaus feels Tiger Woods has not given himself a good chance of winning a fifth Masters (Woods 4/1 The Masters 2010) by returning to golf ‘cold’ for the tournament.

The 34-year-old Woods has not competed for five months after marital problems but will end his self-imposed exile in Augusta next month.

But Nicklaus, who has won the Masters six times, does not think Woods is giving himself the best chance of winning the title.

He said: “Tiger’s a phenomenal athlete but if I went to Augusta cold, I would not have been at my best.

“Being sharp is being tournament-tested on a recent basis. That would be the only negative for Tiger in that he would not be tournament-tested.”

If Woods fails to shine in the Masters he at least will look to be in good shape for the Open in July and the United States’ Ryder Cup battle with Europe (USA 11/8, Europe 8/11, Tie 9/1 2010 Ryder Cup) at Celtic Manor in October.

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Jack Nicklaus admits he would be “surprised” if Tiger Woods is not involved at the Masters in Augusta next month.

The 34-year-old is currently on an indefinite break from the game because of his marital problems but Nicklaus, who is four ahead of Woods with 18 majors to his name, believes a comeback in April is on the cards.

Speaking before the Honda Classic at PGA National, Nicklaus said: “It would surprise me if he didn’t.

“I’ve been very non-committal because it’s none of my business. But playing golf, my guess as a golfer, he’s going to probably try to want to.”

Nicklaus added: “I suspect he will play something before Augusta, and I’d be very surprised if he doesn’t play before Augusta.”

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