Tiger Woods spoke to the media at Riviera on Tuesday, with The Masters just around the corner.
Woods is still on the mend after undergoing back surgery in 2025, and the five-time Masters champion has had to deal with an Achilles problem as well.
However, Woods emphatically refused to rule out a return to action at The Masters this year, when speaking to the media on Tuesday ahead of the Genesis Invitational.
Where will Tiger Woods finish if he plays The Masters this year?
Tiger is not ruling it out…
The 50-year-old said he’s hitting full shots again now in practice during his lengthy press conference.
“Yeah, I’m able to. Not well every day, but I can hit them,“ Woods said.
He then provided a one-word answer when asked whether a return to golf at The Masters is off the table.
“No,“ the 15-time major champion responded with a wry grin.
The last event Woods played was The Open Championship way back in July 2024.
So he hasn’t played competitively for over 18 months, and here’s why he should extend that break instead of returning at The Masters.
Why Tiger Woods should not play at The Masters this year
Woods is one of the two greatest golfers of all time, alongside Jack Nicklaus.
The 82-time PGA Tour winner completely changed the face of the professional game when he burst onto the scene 30 years ago.
Nobody had ever seen anything like Tiger Woods before.
His explosive power off the tee, incredible short game and unmatched aura instantly endeared him to golf fans the world over.
Aside from all of his skills with a golf club in his hand, Woods was one of the strongest golfers we’ve ever seen mentally.
However, that has turned out to be somewhat of a blessing and a curse.
His tunnel-visioned thinking sometimes leads him to returning back to action sooner than he really should.
We’ve seen Tiger do it before.
He rushes back from injury far too soon in order to play in major championships, especially The Masters.
And look where that has got him.
In fact, the last time he rushed back to play in The Masters in 2024 may have caused him the issues he’s dealing with now.
He withdrew from the Genesis Invitational two years ago but rushed back to play at Augusta National just two months later.
The 50-year-old then played the remaining three major championships that year and we haven’t seen him in competitive action since.
Missing The Masters would be the best long-term move for Tiger Woods
Tiger Woods would be making a smart call if he decided to skip The Masters this year.
Playing at Augusta National could cause irrefutable damage to the five-time Masters champion.
Who is the greatest of all time?
Jack or Tiger…
Watching Augusta on TV does not do it justice regarding how extreme the changes in elevation are.
It is a seriously challenging walk and for someone who has undergone seven back surgeries throughout his career, it is even more difficult to get around.
Let’s not forget that Woods has suffered problems with his Achilles recently as well.
As golf fans, we are all desperate to see Tiger Woods back in action at The Masters in April, and for many more years still to come.
However, if Woods forces things and returns to Augusta sooner than he should, he may well jeopardize his chances of competing at The Masters regularly in the future.
If he is fully fit and cleared for action by his doctors, then he should absolutely play at Augusta National.
However, if there is any doubt whatsoever in his mind regarding his physical capabilities, then he should sit this year’s Masters out.
Receive exclusive golf news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
