Tiger Woods Hints at Masters Return, PGA Champions Tour Debut in 2026

The 50-year-old golf legend discusses his injury recovery and potential comeback plans.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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Tiger Woods did not rule out the possibility of returning to golf in time for the 2026 Masters tournament. In a recent interview, Woods said he is back to hitting full shots and is considering making his debut on the PGA Champions Tour this season as he continues to recover from his latest injury, a ruptured Achilles tendon suffered in March 2025. Woods, a five-time Masters champion, has not competed on the PGA Tour since the 2024 Open Championship.

Why it matters

Woods' potential return to competitive golf, especially at the prestigious Masters tournament, would be a major storyline in the sport. As one of the most iconic and successful golfers of all time, his comeback would generate significant interest and attention from fans and media.

The details

Woods said he is making progress in his recovery, noting that it will likely take him longer to return to top form compared to younger players like Will Zalatoris who have undergone similar back surgeries. He is considering playing on the PGA Champions Tour, which allows the use of carts, as a way to prepare for a potential Masters appearance. Woods has not competed on the PGA Tour since withdrawing from the 2025 Genesis Invitational following the death of his mother.

  • In March 2025, Woods ruptured his Achilles tendon while training and practicing at home.
  • Woods underwent his seventh back surgery in October 2025.
  • Woods was last scheduled to play on the PGA Tour at the 2025 Genesis Invitational, but withdrew before the tournament started.

The players

Tiger Woods

A 50-year-old professional golfer and one of the most successful and iconic players in the history of the sport, having won 15 major championships including 5 Masters titles.

Will Zalatoris

A 29-year-old PGA Tour golfer who recently underwent back surgery and has returned to action.

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What they’re saying

“No," Woods said with a sly smile when asked if playing in The Masters in April is off the table.”

— Tiger Woods (Golfweek)

“It's just sore. It takes time. Willy Z went through it, and it took him a while to come back. I'm a little bit older than Willy Z. It's probably going to take me a little bit longer. My body has been through a lot.”

— Tiger Woods (USA TODAY)

“It's challenging, and now I entered a new decade, so that number is starting to sink in and has us thinking about the opportunity to be able to play in a cart. That's something that, as I said, I won't do out here on this (PGA) Tour because I don't believe in it. But on the Champions Tour, there's certainly that opportunity.”

— Tiger Woods (USA TODAY)

What’s next

Woods could make his debut on the PGA Champions Tour as early as March 2026 at one of three events - the James Hardie Pro Football Hall of Fame Invitational in Boca Raton, Florida, the Cologuard Classic in Tucson, Arizona or the Hoag Classic in Newport Beach, California - as a way to prepare for a potential return to the Masters in April.

The takeaway

Tiger Woods' potential comeback at the 2026 Masters would be a major event in the golf world, as the legendary player continues to recover from his latest injury setback. His willingness to consider playing on the PGA Champions Tour shows his determination to return to competitive golf, even as he enters a new decade in his career.