Tiger’s Shocking 2026 Masters Comeback?

Tiger Woods refuses to close the door on a 2026 Masters return despite recovering from his seventh back surgery, signaling the golf legend’s unrelenting drive to compete even as his body faces mounting physical challenges.

Story Snapshot

Woods won’t rule out competing at the 2026 Masters in April despite October disc replacement surgery
The 50-year-old champion missed the entire 2025 season recovering from Achilles and back surgeries
Woods now eligible for PGA Tour Champions and considering cart usage for competitive return
Potential Ryder Cup captaincy role remains undecided as Woods focuses on tour restructuring responsibilities

Woods Keeps Masters Door Open Despite Surgery Recovery

Tiger Woods confirmed he has not ruled out competing at the 2026 Masters Tournament scheduled for April 9-12, despite undergoing lumbar disc replacement surgery last October. When asked directly if the Masters was “off the table,” Woods responded simply with “No” during his appearance as host of the Genesis Invitational at Riviera Country Club on February 17. The 15-time major champion acknowledged he can hit full golf shots during training, though not consistently or with high quality, and his lower back remains sore from the surgery. Woods stated he is “trying” to return but provided no official timetable for competitive golf.

Physical Setbacks Define 2025 Season Absence

Woods missed the entire 2025 competitive season for the first time in his professional career after rupturing his Achilles tendon in March 2025 and subsequently undergoing his seventh known back procedure in October. The disc replacement surgery represents a departure from his previous spinal fusion approach and has proven more challenging than anticipated. Woods compared his recovery timeline to Will Zalatoris, noting that at age 50, his rehabilitation will likely require more time. His Achilles tendon has fully healed and no longer limits his movement, but persistent back soreness continues to complicate his return to competitive form.

Champions Tour Option Emerges as Alternative Path

Woods turned 50 in December 2025, making him eligible for the PGA Tour Champions circuit where players can use golf carts during competition. The five-time Masters champion expressed interest in this option, stating he has been “thinking about the opportunity to be able to play in a cart” on the Champions Tour, though he maintains he won’t use one on the PGA Tour. This represents a pragmatic shift in Woods’ competitive strategy as he manages chronic physical limitations while attempting to extend his playing career. His willingness to consider cart usage on the senior circuit signals recognition that his body can no longer sustain the demands of walking 72 holes at PGA Tour events.

Tour Leadership and Ryder Cup Decisions Loom

Beyond his competitive aspirations, Woods remains heavily involved in PGA Tour restructuring as a policy board member and vice chairman of PGA Tour Enterprises’ board of directors. His administrative responsibilities include evaluating potential schedule changes such as moving signature events like Riviera and Torrey Pines to August. Woods has not yet decided whether to accept the Ryder Cup captaincy for 2027 at Adare Manor, citing time constraints from his tour restructuring work. His dual roles as both potential competitor and tour executive create competing demands as he navigates his career trajectory. These leadership positions ensure Woods maintains significant influence over professional golf’s direction even if his competitive window continues to narrow.

Tiger Woods eyes Masters return, future Ryder Cup captain role amid back surgery rehab https://t.co/z5xFOxDf5H #FoxNews F TW

— Ron Reid (@RonReid77818913) February 18, 2026

Woods’ situation reflects the reality facing many aging athletes who refuse to surrender their competitive fire despite accumulating physical limitations. His last tournament appearance came at the July 2024 Open Championship at Royal Troon, and his 2024 Masters performance finishing 16-over par suggested declining competitive capacity. Yet his 2022 Masters appearance just 14 months after a catastrophic car accident demonstrated his remarkable ability to overcome severe injury. Whether Woods actually tees it up at Augusta National in April remains uncertain, but his refusal to rule it out captures the determination that has defined his entire career.