Bernhard Langer reveals what Tiger Woods told him about how long he wants to keep playing professional golf

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The 2024 PNC Championship demonstrated that Tiger Woods is still the biggest draw in professional golf.

In a year where Scottie Scheffler dominated on the PGA Tour, golf fans were still captivated by Woods’ return, where he played alongside his son Charlie.

Charlie’s hole-in-one was the highlight during the final day’s play at the Ritz-Carlton Resort, which eventually saw Bernhard and Jason Langer clinch a dramatic playoff victory.

Woods, of course, is recovering from his latest back surgery, which took place in September. It remains to be seen when the 15-time major winner will return to the professional scene. Langer, however, revealed what Woods told him about his comeback during Sunday’s play.

What Tiger Woods told Bernhard Langer about his recovery at the PNC Championship

During his post-tournament press conference, Langer was asked about Woods’ recovery.

“I can’t even imagine what he’s been through,” Langer said. “I’ve had some back issues. I had a stress fracture in my lower back and a bulging disc, and it’s bothered me many a time over the years. I know the pain. Back pain is some of the worst, maybe together with tooth pain.”

The German then revealed Woods was eager to play for a ‘few’ more years. “He’s been through a lot and just thrilled — he’s working, rehabbing hard, and he says, Yeah, I want to stay somewhat fit and play a few more years so I can keep up with Charlie,” he added.

What has Tiger Woods said about his recovery?

After Woods withdrew from the Hero World Challenge, the American admitted his game was nowhere near the level required to compete with the world’s best players.

And before this week’s event in Orlando, Woods claimed he still had a long way to go before he was tournament-ready.

“Rusty,” Woods told the Golf Channel. “Very rusty. I don’t have my feels, and my trajectory is off, and shot shapes. But, hey, this is a practice round to get ready for tomorrow. I am not looking forward to being cold tomorrow. Hopefully, Charlie drives it, so we can just pick up and move on.”

“I am not at a competitive level; this is a scramble. I am not competitively sharp.”

Despite Woods’ clear view on the current state of his game, Langer claimed the 48-year-old could still be a force within the professional scene. “Yeah, he was world No. 1 for years and years. He’s got a lot more game than most of us. Even when he’s 70 per cent, he’s still a force to be reckoned with,” Langer added.

“He was moving fairly good. I was watching his swing and he was going after it. Just playing everything with a cut for most things, but he felt pretty comfortable out there, I thought.”