Golf legend Tiger Woods says Masters return this year not ‘off the table’ after back injury – ‘Trying to get stronger’
By Marko Tankosic
SME News Balkan. Golf legend Tiger Woods has revealed that a potential return at the Masters Tournament in April is “not off the table” as he continues his recovery from multiple surgeries.
The 15-time major champion, now 50, has not competed in an official PGA Tour event since July 2024, when he missed the cut at The Open. Since then, Woods has endured a ruptured Achilles that wiped out his 2025 season and underwent disc replacement surgery in October.
Despite the setbacks, the five-time Masters winner says progress is being made.
Woods ‘Progressing’ After Back Surgery
Speaking at Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles, Woods admitted the road back remains challenging but encouraging.
“It’s each and every day. I keep trying, I keep progressing,” Woods said. “I’m trying to get stronger, build endurance, and get this body back to where I can compete at the highest level again.”
The latest procedure — a disc replacement in his lower back — follows years of injury struggles, including severe leg injuries sustained in a 2021 car crash and previous spinal fusion surgery.
Woods confirmed he has resumed hitting golf shots, though consistency remains an issue.
“Not well every day, but I can hit them,” he said. “It takes time. My body has been through a lot.”
Masters 2026: A Realistic Comeback Target?
Woods last won at Augusta in 2019 in one of the most iconic comebacks in sporting history. Now entering a new decade of his life, the 50-year-old acknowledges the physical realities of competing at elite level.
“I’ve had a fused back and now a disc replacement, so it’s challenging,” he admitted.
Still, he has not ruled out teeing it up at Augusta National in April — a venue where experience and course knowledge can often offset physical limitations.
Should Woods make the field, it would mark his first official competitive appearance in nearly two years and instantly become one of the biggest storylines in global sport.
Ryder Cup 2027 Captaincy Decision Pending
Beyond his playing future, Woods also addressed speculation about potentially captaining Team USA at the 2027 Ryder Cup.
The 82-time PGA Tour winner confirmed discussions have taken place but said no decision has been made.
“They’ve asked for my input, but I haven’t made my decision yet,” Woods explained. “I’m trying to figure out if I can give the team and everyone involved the time and attention they deserve.”
Woods currently serves in advisory and leadership roles within the PGA Tour structure, which he says is consuming significant time and energy.
What Comes Next?
The question surrounding Tiger Woods is no longer about talent — it is about durability. With multiple major surgeries and limited competitive reps in recent seasons, his path back to contention is steep.
However, history suggests writing off Woods has often proven premature.
If the Masters is indeed “not off the table,” the golf world may yet witness another chapter in one of sport’s greatest comeback stories.
