Golf icon, 50, offers hope of Augusta return despite ongoing back recovery; also weighs 2027 Ryder Cup captaincy
SHARJAH – Tiger Woods has delivered a tantalising update for golf fans worldwide, refusing to eliminate the possibility of competing in the 2026 Masters as he continues his latest recovery from back surgery.
Speaking at the Genesis Invitational in Pacific Palisades, California – the PGA Tour event he hosts – the 15-time major champion was characteristically coy when asked if April’s trip to Augusta National was off the table.
“No,” Woods replied, the single word accompanied by a knowing smile that sent speculation swirling.
The 50-year-old has not competed since missing the cut at the 2024 British Open, following lumbar disc replacement surgery last October and a separate procedure in March 2025 to repair a ruptured left Achilles tendon.
December brought a significant milestone when Woods received medical clearance to resume chipping and putting – the first golf-related activities since his back operation. While the Achilles has healed fully, Woods admitted his back remains a source of discomfort.
“As far as the disc replacement, it’s just sore. It takes time,” he explained. “My body has been through a lot. It’s just one of those things where it’s each and every day, I keep trying, I keep progressing, I keep working on it, trying to get stronger, trying to get more endurance in this body and trying to get it at a level at which I can play at the highest level again.”
Leadership Crossroads
While his playing future remains uncertain, Woods’ influence within the sport continues to grow. The American great balances roles as a PGA Tour policy board player director and vice chairman of PGA Tour Enterprises – commitments he described as consuming “hours upon hours every day”.
Now the PGA of America has added another consideration, seeking Woods’ input on the 2027 Ryder Cup captaincy. His response suggested discussions have progressed beyond casual consultation.
“Yeah, they have asked me for my input on it, and I haven’t made my decision yet,” Woods confirmed. “I’m trying to figure out what we’re trying to do with our tour… trying to figure out if I can actually do our team, our Team USA and our players and everyone that’s going to be involved in the Ryder Cup, if I can do it justice with my time.”
Woods declined the captaincy for the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black, citing scheduling conflicts with PGA Tour responsibilities, though he emphasised at the time that leading his country remained an aspiration.
With the Masters now 11 weeks away, the prospect of Woods walking the undulating fairways of Augusta National – scene of his legendary 2019 triumph – remains distant but no longer impossible. For a sport that has learned to expect the unexpected from its most enduring star, that uncertainty alone is enough to quicken the pulse.
