There appears to be a big question mark over whether Tiger Woods will play at the highest level again after confirming last week that he has undergone surgery on his back.
Unfortunately, Tiger Woods has not teed it up in a tournament this year. He did play plenty of matches in the inaugural season in TGL. However, just as thoughts began to turn towards The Masters, the 49-year-old announced he had ruptured his Achilles.
It looked likely Woods would miss the rest of the year. News that he has undergone back surgery issues a further reminder of just how difficult the 15-time major champion has found trying to get back to full fitness.
It was noted that Woods’ statement made no mention of golf. That would suggest that he is yet to make a decision on his long-term future in the game.
Tiger Woods issued with a warning before he becomes eligible for PGA Tour Champions
Of course, Woods will be eligible for PGA Tour Champions from December when he turns 50. And it may well be that he is more competitive on the senior tour, particularly as he can ride in a cart.
Woods missed the cut in his last three major starts.
However, speaking on the Golf Channel Podcast, Ryan Lavner believes that it would be a mistake for Woods to look at playing on the Champions Tour given how many setbacks he has already dealt with.
“As it relates to when are we going to see him again, and is it going to be on the senior tour, I have a hard time imagining that he would not want to at least try to get ready for The Masters. If it’s clear that he only has a finite number of swings left in his brittle body, why would you quote-unquote waste them on the over-50s circuit? Why not try and catch lightning in a bottle at The Masters? Why not try and catch lightning in a bottle at The Open Championship. St Andrews is in 2027. Pebble Beach is in 2027,” he said.
“I still think there are enough carrots out there dangling for him to not want to quote-unquote waste them on championships, on tournaments, on reps that are not going to do anything legacy-wise. If you’re going to play any tournament at all in 2026, it shouldn’t be the US Senior Open. It should be The Masters.”
What Tiger Woods said after missing the cut at The Open Championship at St Andrews in 2022
It would be interesting to know what venue Woods would pick for his preferred farewell. Of course, Augusta National was the site of his most recent major victory in 2019.
However, one of the most iconic moments from the twilight of Woods’ career came in 2022 as he completed his second round at The Open Championship at The Old Course.
Woods was clearly taken aback as he walked up the 18th hole to an incredible ovation. There was an awareness from everyone involved that it may be the final time that he makes that particular walk in a major.
“Yes, it’s very emotional for me. I’ve been coming here since 1995, and I think the next one comes around in what, 2030 – and I don’t know if I will be physically able to play by then,” he said.
“So to me it felt like this might have been my last British Open here at St Andrews. And the fans, the ovation and the warmth, it was an unbelievable feeling.
“I understand what Jack and Arnold had gone through in the past. I was kind of feeling that way there at the end. And just the collective warmth and understanding. They understand what golf’s all about and what it takes to be an Open champion.
“And I’ve been lucky enough and fortunate enough to have won this twice here. And it felt very emotional, just because I just don’t know what my health is going to be like. And I feel like I will be able to play future British Opens, but I don’t know if I’ll be able to play that long enough that when it comes back around here, will I still be playing?”
Woods has spoken of playing The Old Course in reverse being one of his dreams. And with The Open returning to the Home of Golf in 2027, it may perhaps come at the perfect time for Woods to say a final goodbye to the major championship stage.
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