Tiger Woods Eyes Masters Return, Considers Champions Tour Debut

Tiger Woods has not dismissed the possibility of playing in the 2026 Masters Tournament and is giving serious thought to joining the PGA Tour Champions, where he could potentially use a golf cart.

Masters Tournament Still a Possibility

Despite undergoing lumbar disc replacement surgery in October, Woods has indicated that the Masters in April is not “off the table.” He confirmed this while speaking to reporters, offering a smile when asked about his participation.

Champions Tour Consideration

Having turned 50 in December, Woods is now eligible for the PGA Tour Champions. He acknowledged the appeal of playing on the senior circuit with the option of using a golf cart, something he doesn’t allow on the regular PGA Tour.

“It’s challenging,” said Woods. “And now I entered a modern decade, so that number is starting to sink in and has us thinking about the opportunity to be able to play in a cart. That’s something that, as I said, I won’t do out here on this Tour because I don’t believe in it. But on the Champions Tour, there’s certainly that opportunity.”

Tiger Woods

Potential Champions Tour Debut

Woods could potentially make his Champions tour debut in March at one of three events: the James Hardie Pro Football Hall of Fame Invitational in Boca Raton, Florida; the Cologuard Classic in Tucson, Arizona; or the Hoag Classic in Newport Beach, California.

Recovery Progress

Woods is currently hitting full shots, but has not yet set a firm return date for competition. He described his current condition as “sore,” noting that recovery “takes time.”

“It’s just sore. It takes time. Willy Z went through it,” he said, referring to Will Zalatoris’s recent back surgery, and recovery.

Tiger Woods

Career Highlights

Tiger Woods is tied for first in PGA Tour wins with 110 total victories. He has won 15 major championships, including five Masters Tournament titles (1997, 2001, 2002, 2005, 2019). He was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2021.

• PGA Tour Wins: 82
• European Tour Wins: 41
• Masters Tournament Wins: 5
• PGA Championship Wins: 4
• U.S. Open Wins: 3
• The Open Championship Wins: 3

The golf world eagerly awaits Woods’s decision and potential return to competitive play, whether on the PGA Tour or the Champions Tour.