The 15-time major champion, recovering from back surgery last October, suggests April’s tournament at Augusta National remains a possibility
SHARJAH – Tiger Woods has offered his strongest indication yet that a appearance at this year’s Masters cannot be ruled out, despite admitting his recovery from recent back surgery continues to cause discomfort.
Speaking ahead of this week’s Genesis Invitational in Pacific Palisades, California – where he serves as tournament host – the 15-time major winner was asked directly whether the April 9-12 Masters at Augusta National was off the table.
“No,” Woods replied, before breaking into a broad smile.
The 50-year-old golfing icon has not competed since missing the cut at the 2024 British Open. His absence follows a lumbar disc replacement procedure last October, as well as surgery in March 2025 to repair a ruptured left Achilles tendon.
Woods received clearance in December to resume chipping and putting for the first time since his back operation, marking a significant milestone in his latest comeback attempt.
While the Achilles is no longer causing problems, Woods acknowledged that his back remains a work in progress.
“As far as the disc replacement, it’s just sore. It takes time,” Woods 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.”
Despite his physical limitations, Woods has remained heavily involved in the sport’s governance. He continues to serve as a PGA Tour policy board player director and as vice chairman of PGA Tour Enterprises.
The American legend is now weighing additional responsibility, revealing that the PGA of America has sought his input regarding the 2027 Ryder Cup captaincy – with his response suggesting they are assessing his interest in the role.
“Yeah, they have asked me for my input on it, and I haven’t made my decision yet,” Woods said. “I’m trying to figure out what we’re trying to do with our tour. That’s been driving me hours upon hours every day and 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 previously declined the US captaincy for the 2025 Ryder Cup citing time constraints and PGA Tour commitments, though he emphasised at the time that this did not permanently close the door on future leadership opportunities.
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