Post by : Mariam
Al-Faris
The timeline for Tiger Woods' return to competitive golf remains unclear, but one of his close friends from the PGA Tour hopes to see the 15-time major champion back on the greens soon, potentially making his appearance on the Champions Tour in 2026.
Woods had back surgery on October 10, which will prevent him from competing in the Hero World Challenge from December 4–7, where he is typically the host. He is also not slated to participate in the PNC Championship on December 20–21, a tournament he has previously played in alongside his son, Charlie. As he approaches his 50th birthday on December 30, he will become eligible for the Champions Tour, which kicks off its season with an event in Hawaii from January 22–24.
Ahead of the RSM Classic, Woods' friend shared optimism about a potential return, stating, “Tiger could play major championships and probably compete if he could regain his health. I’m hoping he’ll play and it would be fantastic to see him in Hawaii in January. That would mark a strong start to the year,” he mentioned.
Woods hasn’t played since the Open Championship in July 2024 and had previously undergone Achilles tendon surgery in March 2024, totaling seven back surgeries over his career. Despite these hurdles, he remains committed to his TGL indoor team, affirming his enduring passion for golf.
His friend is advocating for a mandatory golf cart rule in the Champions Tour to assist players like Woods in managing the physical demands of 18 holes. “I feel guilty using a cart. I tackled 18 holes yesterday. I could have easily ridden for half of this round on tour,” he remarked, stressing the need for comfort for veteran players.
Woods is not the only prominent player hitting the big 5-0 soon. Former Ryder Cup captain Zach Johnson is also set to join the Champions Tour in February 2026, raising hopes that both legends could compete, enhancing the Tour’s prestige.
Another of Woods’ close friends, Notah Begay III, emphasized Woods’ aspiration to break Sam Snead’s record of 82 PGA Tour wins. “Deep down, 83 is a significant target for him. It means a lot,” Begay stated, pointing out that Woods' biggest hurdle now is walking—not his skill. He continues to strike the ball at speeds around 175-180 mph, keeping him competitive in professional settings.
Ultimately, Woods' health and rehabilitation journey will guide when he returns to golf. Fans and fellow golfers are hopeful that, with a proper recovery, he can make his mark on the Champions Tour and continue his remarkable legacy. His anticipated return is not just about his talent but also the inspiration he offers to the golf community.
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