Tiger Woods backed to enter PGA Tour tournament he’s barely played in before as his ‘biggest problem’ is revealed

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There is a large question mark hanging over what the future holds for Tiger Woods after he underwent two different surgeries in 2025.

Unfortunately, 2025 looks set to end without Tiger Woods teeing it up in a single PGA Tour event.

While he did play in TGL, Woods ruptured his Achilles in the weeks leading up to The Masters. And he went on to have back surgery in October.

Crucially, Woods made no mention of golf in the statement confirming this latest setback. So it is not yet clear when the 15-time major champion will return in a playing capacity.

Tiger Woods’ chances of securing an 83rd PGA Tour win assessed

It is hard to imagine that Woods now has any chance of matching Jack Nicklaus‘ tally of 18 majors. But he is also one PGA Tour victory from overtaking Sam Snead and setting a new record of 83 wins.

Of course, it is not yet clear whether Woods will even play again on the PGA Tour. He turns 50 in December so will soon have the opportunity to play on PGA Tour Champions.

Interestingly, his good friend Notah Begay III is cautiously optimistic that there are further chapters to be written.

Speaking on Straight Facts Homie, Begay III explained what Woods has told him about his condition as he assessed where that 83rd win may come from.

“I never take anything away from the guy. I think in his heart of hearts, 83 is a big number. It’s an important number. And I think there’s a couple venues that I think could accommodate his current physical condition. I think the biggest problem, in the conversations that I’ve had with him, is the walking. That’s it,” he said.

“He hits it great, he’s in tremendous physical condition. His ball speeds are fast enough, they’re 175-180 which is adequate for the PGA Tour. It’s just can he walk 72 holes plus a pro-am? I don’t know, and that’s the big question. A major championship venue with flatter terrain. Hilton Head with flatter terrain, Colonial with flatter terrain might be targets.

“And those are venues that he’s never typically played at. He’s played Colonial once and never went back. And I don’t think he’s ever been to Hilton Head. Those are two things that you may see at some point.”

The event Notah Begay thinks gives Tiger Woods his best chance of winning a 16th major

Woods has played both the event at Colonial and the RBC Heritage on one occasion during his career. He finished tied for fourth at Fort Worth in 1997, while he was just inside the top 20 at Harbour Town two years later.

It would be quite something if he could contend in another major. He missed the cut in three majors in 2024, while he finished last of those who made the cut at The Masters.

But Begay III suggested which of the four he could see Woods compete at if he is able to return to the biggest stages in the sport.

“I think [83 wins] is probably the more tangible one at this point in his career if there were to be one. I think because the majors, there’s only four of them, and Augusta’s one of the top three hilliest courses players walk all year. Maybe The Open Championship where distance is less of a consideration when you look at guys like Francesco Molinari, Brian Harman – not high ball or long ball hitters that have both walked away there with the Claret Jug,” he said.

“In one of the best shotmakers in the world in Tiger Woods, that might be the best fit that he would be looking for in terms of winning another major. The cherry on top would be if it was another major and it would be 83. He still wouldn’t get to 18, I think that’s out of reach, but I still do think, in a perfect world, Ben Hogan did it on one leg, maybe Tiger can do it too.”

It has been more than 19 years since Woods lifted the Claret Jug as the Champion Golfer of the Year.

If there is a perfect way for Woods to secure a fairytale ending to his career, it would surely come when The Open returns to St Andrews in 2027.