Tiger Woods has not ruled out competing in the 2026 Masters Tournament, despite not playing a PGA Tour event since July 2024. The 15-time major champion offered the update while speaking ahead of the Genesis Invitational at The Riviera Country Club, acknowledging a return to competitive golf remains an ongoing process.
Woods last competed in an official PGA Tour event at The Open in July 2024, where he missed the cut. He subsequently missed the entire 2025 season following a ruptured Achilles tendon in March and undergoing disc replacement surgery in October. When directly asked if playing at Augusta National from April 9-12 was “off the table,” Woods responded simply, “No.”
“I’m trying, put it that way,” Woods said, describing his recovery. “The disc replacement has been one thing, it’s been a challenge.” He also noted the impact of turning 50 on December 30th, stating, “I entered a new decade, so that number is starting to sink in.”
The American has five Masters titles to his name, most recently winning in 2019, ending an 11-year major championship drought. His most recent appearance at Augusta came in 2024.
Woods revealed he has progressed beyond chipping and putting practice and is now capable of hitting full golf shots, though with varying consistency. “Not well every day, but I can hit them,” he stated. He also acknowledged the physical toll of his recovery, saying, “As far as the disc replacement, it’s just sore. It takes time. My body has been through a lot.”
The golf great also alluded to the possibility of utilizing a golf cart on the Champions Tour, stating, “I won’t do that out here on this tour as I don’t believe in it but on the Champions Tour there’s certainly an opportunity.” He conceded that recovery from injury is more difficult at his age, adding, “I can’t dunk a basketball anymore.”
Woods underwent back surgery in September 2024 and suffered the Achilles rupture in March 2025, adding to a long history of injuries that have impacted his career. He acknowledged the challenges posed by his previous surgeries, stating, “I’ve had a fused back and now a disc replacement, so it’s challenging.”
