Tiger Woods, Out for 409 Days, Expected to Make Notable Return Next Week

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Abdul Bari Khan | Last updated Sep 1, 2025 12:11 PM ET

Everybody loves Tiger Woods, and if there’s one thing fans admire even more, it’s his iconic swing. The 49-year-old has rarely played golf publicly in recent months after undergoing surgery to repair a ruptured left Achilles tendon. But according to new rumors, the long-awaited return may finally be on the horizon.

Tiger Woods Back on the Golf Course?

Woods has been busy with his new role as chairman of the PGA Tour’s Future Competition Committee. Still, most fans would rather see the 15-time major winner back on the golf course. Tiger is scheduled to host the Nexus Cup at Liberty National Golf Club on Sept. 8–9.

The annual event, which benefits Woods’ TGR Foundation, traditionally features a private clinic from the host himself. According to a post from NUCLR Golf, this year’s edition could see the 49-year-old swing a club publicly for the first time since surgery. While Woods may have practiced privately in recent months, he has yet to take a swing in front of fans.

Tiger Woods hasn’t played professionally in 409 days. His last appearance came on July 19 at the 2024 Open Championship, where he missed the cut after finishing 14-over par. Another surgery soon followed, sidelining him from the majors and forcing yet another pause in his storied career. While a clinic at Liberty National wouldn’t mark a full competitive return, it could serve as an encouraging sign that Woods’ recovery is moving in the right direction.

As Tiger approaches his 50th birthday on the penultimate day of 2025, rumors suggest the PGA Tour veteran may join the Champions Tour to begin a new chapter in his career. Although Woods has yet to confirm these reports, fans are already bracing for the possibility.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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