Tiger Woods does not dismiss the possibility of competing in this year’s Masters.
LOS ANGELES — Tiger Woods has not dismissed the possibility of making a comeback to professional golf as soon as this year’s Masters Tournament in April, the 15-time major champion stated on Tuesday.
Woods, who is 50 years old, underwent lumbar disc replacement surgery in October and also suffered a ruptured Achilles last March. He has not participated in any events since the Open Championship at Royal Troon in 2024.
“It has been tough,” Woods remarked, who is serving as the tournament host for this week’s Genesis Invitational. “My body has endured a lot. Every single day I continue to push myself, striving to reach a level where I can compete at the highest standard.”
While Woods indicated that his Achilles is no longer an issue and that he can now execute full golf shots, the recovery from the disc replacement surgery has posed more challenges.
“It’s just sore. It requires time,” he explained. “[Will Zalatoris] experienced it, and it took him some time to return. I’m a bit older than [him]. It will likely take me a bit longer.”
There is currently no official timeline for Woods’ return. In recent years, although his game has displayed familiar moments of brilliance, the impact of the surgeries on Woods’ back has made it challenging for him to walk 72 holes during a tournament.
Woods has previously rejected the notion of competing while using a cart, but he mentioned on Tuesday that it is something he would contemplate on the Champions Tour. At 50, Woods qualifies to participate in that tour.
“I have entered a new decade, so that number is starting to resonate and has us considering the possibility of playing in a cart,” he stated. “That’s something that, as I mentioned, I won’t do out here on this tour because I don’t support it. However, on the Champions Tour, that’s certainly an option.”
In addition to his rehabilitation, Woods is also a member of the PGA Tour policy board and serves as the vice chairman for the PGA Tour Enterprises’ board of directors. He has been actively involved in redefining the future format and scheduling changes of the PGA Tour, which he indicated they hope to implement as soon as next season.
This is also why Woods mentioned that he has not yet made a decision regarding another role he has been approached about: Ryder Cup captain for Team USA at Adare Manor in 2027.
“They have sought my input on it, and I have not made my decision yet,” Woods said. “I am trying to determine what we are aiming to accomplish with our tour. That has been consuming my time for hours each day, and I am trying to assess if I can adequately fulfill the responsibilities for our team, our Team USA, and all those involved in the Ryder Cup, if I can do it justice with my time.”
