Tiger Woods is highly unlikely to challenge for the Masters title in Augusta, according to former player and Ryder Cup vice-captain Peter Baker.
The former world number one slipped out of the top 100 on Monday in what represents another low point in the American's continued demise following a string of injuries.
The 14-time major winner, 39, has not played since withdrawing from February's Farmers Insurance Open, but could make an appearance in the competition at Augusta, which begins on April 9.
However, Baker, now the tour golf manager for Champions of Golf, is not convinced Woods stands a chance of being in the mix come the final day.
"I think it will be difficult to get back to the level he was," the three-time European Tour winner, now based at South Staffordshire Golf Club, told Perform.
"It was an unbelievable level, whether anyone can reach that level is a question in itself. It will be very difficult for him to turn up at the Masters having not played for a while and pushing for the lead on the final day.
"I think the fact he's nearly 40... if he'd been playing well and had a good run coming into it, that wouldn't be a problem.
"Obviously he has to get back playing to a good level, get his confidence back and back in a good frame and trying to win tournaments.
"He hasn't played, he's been injured, his game hasn’t been the best. For him to just turn up at the Masters and play really well would be an incredible achievement... I can't see him pushing to take the title."
To learn more about Champions of Golf visit www.championsofgolf.co.uk