Tiger Woods discusses returning to golf ahead of TGL finale with the Masters approaching

Tiger Woods at TGL Final, Future Participation Uncertain

Tiger Woods participated in the TGL final on Tuesday, but didn’t provide any clarity on his plans for the Masters.

Before the match at Jupiter Links Golf Club, where his team faced off against the Los Angeles Golf Club, Woods spoke with ESPN’s Scott Van Pelt. He reflected on his experience during the first TGL event at the start of the season.

“Setting myself up for the future, it’s really one step at a time,” he mentioned. “Tonight felt like a positive step, especially since I haven’t been competitively active for quite some time. My rehabilitation this past year has been lengthy, and I just want to have fun while contributing to the team.”

Since the 2024 British Open, Woods had not played a competitive round and hadn’t returned to TGL, the league he co-founded, in over a year.

After undergoing disc replacement surgery, Woods is on track to be discharged from the hospital in under six months. However, he also faced a setback with a ruptured left Achilles tendon, requiring surgery in March 2025.

The pivotal question leading up to the Tuesday event was whether he would be ready to compete at Augusta National for the Masters, a tournament he has won five times throughout his career.

While Woods kept his options open regarding this year’s Masters, his participation in the TGL finals permitted him a chance to compete in a less intense setting.

Another potential opportunity for showcasing his recovery will come with the Hogue Classic—a Champions Tour event set to open this weekend at Newport Beach Country Club.

Before Tuesday’s competition, Woods shared that he wasn’t quite sure if he would be prepared, making a decision only by Monday.

“It’s been a while. I want to support my team,” he said. “I’ve cheered from the sidelines for every game, and I just want to make a contribution. These guys are phenomenal players, and it’s a fantastic group.”

In the audience at the SoFi Center in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, were Woods’ girlfriend, Vanessa Trump, and her daughter, Kai. Their presence at the event drew attention, especially considering Vanessa’s connection as the former daughter-in-law of President Donald Trump.