Tiger Woods Eyes Masters Return Amid Ongoing Recovery

In just a couple of months, Tiger Woods might be back at Augusta National. Although he missed a major tournament last year, he hasn’t ruled out the possibility of returning to the Masters. When asked by reporters if he might play this April, Woods simply replied “no,” without providing further explanation.

He is set to compete in the Masters for the 24th consecutive time in 2024, which is quite a milestone. Woods seems to be keeping the possibility alive despite recovering from his seventh back surgery—a disc replacement—and facing a tight schedule that probably doesn’t allow for much competitive play.

Reflecting on his past dedication, Woods mentioned at the Genesis Invitational that while he used to practice for countless hours in his prime, the current focus demands significantly more time managing the PGA Tour’s schedule. “Nothing compares to what we’ve been doing in the boardroom,” he noted.

His future decisions will also hinge on his readiness to captain the U.S. team at the 2027 Ryder Cup in Ireland, a position he turned down two years ago due to time constraints.

Recently turning 50, Woods qualified for the PGA Tour Champions. Last year, he didn’t participate in any PGA Tour events—an unusual first in his career. He hasn’t managed to compete in the indoor TGL league either. “Yeah, I’m trying,” he remarked, explaining that while he can manage full shots, it’s not something he does every day, and he isn’t feeling very good about it.

Having undergone surgery for a torn Achilles tendon back in March 2025, Woods now mentions that his lower back is causing issues and, quite frankly, “It will probably take a little longer” at his age to bounce back.

“My body has been through a lot,” he said. Each day, he continues to work on his strength and endurance, striving to return to peak form to compete at high levels again.

Woods has also been busy behind the scenes, serving on the boards of the PGA Tour and its commercial association. He leads the Future of Competition Committee, which is working on recalibrating tournament schedules to make them more impactful for top players.

The new competitive model they’re developing might not materialize until 2027. There’s been talk of kicking off the season with a significant event that could coincide with the Super Bowl, attracting a larger audience and establishing a summer sports staple.

Woods emphasized the importance of fostering new talent. “We’re trying to create turnover opportunities…to get more young guys in here because ultimately they’re going to take over the game,” he stated. His commitment seems strong in building a competitive environment that supports these emerging stars.