Tiger Woods Challenged By Ernie Els

2025 has been a rough year for Tiger Woods.  Early in the year, he ruptured his Achilles tendon, taking him off the field for the entire year.  This, in part, has led to speculation that it might be time for Woods to pack it in.  Ernie Els has another idea for Tiger Woods once he recovers, and he is ready for it when he accepts.

Els Challenges Woods

The PGA Tour has its own senior league for the older players who aren’t quite ready to pack their clubs away.  The Champions Tour has been a place where players have gone to eventually retire gracefully.  This is also where some players found themselves in a second wind, like Mike Hill, who found great success in the league.  This is the league that Ernie Els plays for these days.  The league has a minimum age requirement of 50 to play, and Woods will be turning 50 on December 30th.  With that date looming on the horizon, Els had one thing to say to Woods.

“Beat us again…If you can.”

Those fighting words directed towards Tiger Woods are said in jest.  Ernie Els would like to play against Woods again, and he has some concern for the health of the former world No. 1.

Els On Why The Switch Is Good

Els believes that a switch to the Champions Tour would be a great way to help Tiger Woods get back into shape.  The tour itself has plenty of accommodations that will make it easy on Woods’ ankle.  Golf carts are always available so players won’t have to trudge across the course by foot.  On top of all that Els thinks Woods should be welcomed into the league with open arms.  When asked if he thinks Woods would join, Els responded with this:

“I hope so,” he said.  “I’ve said, please come play, and I think it can only be beneficial to him.  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.”

Will Woods Join

At this point, it is hard to say if Woods will agree to join the senior league.  According to golfers like Ernie Els, he should join, especially if he wants to keep playing.  Tiger Woods has a legacy unlike any other golfer, spending ten years in the world No. 1 position and being the face of the sport, all the while.  As stated earlier, Woods has experienced some health issues this year.  Those problems have made it hard for him to keep up with the younger batch of rookies.  One of which already won his first tournament. 

Once Woods recovers, it would be a great decision to move on to the senior league.  Golfers from that league can still compete in majors, like Fred Couples.  Not to mention that if Els is anything to go by, the other players are eager to play against Woods again.  Even if that means losing to him all over again.