Tiger Woods has endured another nightmare season due to injury, forcing him out of the PGA Tour altogether.
Woods last played at The Open Championship last summer, although some positive signs have been emerging thanks to recent sightings of the legendary figure.
He was in attendance watching son Charlie Woods in action earlier this month, having also been spotted attending a content shoot, which should encourage golf fans.
However, they will want the box-office star back on the course as soon as possible rather than behind the ropes.
Woods’ exact return date is uncertain after he underwent back surgery for the seventh time in his career, which followed Achilles tendon surgery earlier this year.
Tiger Woods should leave the PGA Tour for the PGA Tour Champions
When he does finally return, there is an argument to be made that the PGA Tour Champions is where he should be playing.
The American star clearly thrives on competition, and he just hasn’t been able to compete on the PGA Tour when he’s taken part.
Subsequently, another win seems increasingly unlikely, but success should come more readily on the over-50s tour.
Moreover, with golf carts permitted on the PGA Tour Champions, the injury-hit legend can be even more confident of his chances of success.
At the same time, however, such a switch would not go down well with the PGA Tour, which could then be directly competing for attention given Woods’ box-office nature.
Ultimately, the decision is in the hands of the 49-year-old, who deserves to be respected no matter what path he chooses given his phenomenal efforts over the years.
What is stopping Tiger Woods from joining the PGA Tour Champions?
Perhaps one of the main barriers preventing Woods from making a switch to the PGA Tour Champions is potential unfinished business on the PGA Tour.
With 82 wins, 378 appearances and $120,999,166 earned in prize money, there’s almost nothing left to achieve.
But those 82 wins do place him level at the very top of the all-time list with Sam Snead, with one more victory set to take Woods over the line.
That is, however, not exactly a record he needs to break, with Woods not needing to prove anything to anyone at this stage of his career.
| Events played | 378 |
| Wins | 82 |
| Cuts made | 339/378 |
| Runner-up | 31 |
| Third place | 19 |
| Top 5s | 163 |
| Top 10s | 199 |
| Official money | $120,999,166 |
Admittedly, it isn’t exactly an easy decision given what it truly involves, but current circumstances suggest it is the best way forward for the golfing legend.
But while he would be welcomed on the PGA Tour Champions with open arms, those closely associated with the PGA Tour may have contrasting feelings.
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