PGA Tour Champions: A New Start For Woods?

The Woods name is back in the limelight of PGA Tour conversations, and for very good reason. The arguably greatest ever to play the sport in Tiger Woods, is now in contention to make a senior tour debut in 2026. With the 50th birthday of Woods to take place in December, the veteran is placing himself in position to compete. The PGA Tour Champions once known as the Champions Tour, welcomes all pro golfers 50 years of age and older. A certain step down in terms of top notch competition, yet the experience throughout trumps that factor almost immediately. The knowledge of the sport within still holds to a high standard, only ensuring the game to be played at a high level. While realizing Woods meets the specific guidelines, his availability is still up in the air as he recovers from yet another surgery. 

50 Years Young 

The ever so talented Woods is in a stage of recovery, after a recent back surgery to replace a lumbar disc. A setback that has sidelined the veteran for now more extended time, putting into question if he will even be healthy enough for the PGA Tour Champions. With his name having been thrown into the hat of possibilities, those like Ernie Els are urging Woods to show up and perform if able. 

“I’ve said, please come play. And I think it can only be beneficial to him,” Els said. “He will get himself in golf shape. You can ride a cart without any shame and if there was one guy that should be able to drive a cart, it’s him. … And he can get his ass  back in shape.”

Getting into any shape good enough for competition may not be the exact end goal for Woods, but certainly one on his board. With all of the accolades there is still room for more, although those chances have been clouded by the recent injuries. 

Still PGA Work To Be Done 

If there is any Tour athlete past or present with a determination for greatness, it’s Woods. He has showcased a tremendous amount of fight, battling back from numerous positions not in his favor. With his current status and health recovery, being another one of those career stepping blocks. There is an obligation for the veteran to end things on his own terms if able, and not at the hand of Injuries or outside factors. 

“I think Tiger might even feel an obligation to play the Tour,” Paul Azinger said. “The Tour has given Tiger a lot of money the last few years with that Player Impact Program. I’m sure he’s going to give back, and it’s going to be to the benefit of these guys out here that are over 50.”

It will be a headline worthy to keep your eyes and ears locked in on, with a hopeful return of Woods in the near future. His impact on the game of golf has transcended the sport for the better, impacting those currently and the athletes yet to come.