Trump Reveals Tiger Woods Will Not Play in 2026 Masters

Woods to attend tournament but will not compete due to ongoing recovery from injuries.

Mar. 27, 2026 at 1:08pm

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Former President Donald Trump revealed in a Fox News interview that golf legend Tiger Woods will be present at the 2026 Masters tournament at Augusta National, but will not be competing due to his ongoing recovery from recent surgeries and injuries. Woods, a 15-time major champion, has not played in a regular event since the 2024 British Open.

Why it matters

Woods' absence from the Masters, one of golf's most prestigious events which he has won five times, will be a notable storyline leading up to the tournament. His continued struggles with injuries have raised questions about the longevity of his career and ability to compete at the highest level.

The details

Woods, 50, underwent lumbar disk replacement surgery in October and also had surgery for a ruptured left Achilles last March. He made his return to golf on Tuesday in the TGL Finals, where he told reporters he has been trying to get healthy enough to play in the Masters but is unsure when he will make a decision. Woods' girlfriend is Vanessa Trump, the former daughter-in-law of the former president.

  • Woods last played in a regular event at the 2024 British Open.
  • Woods underwent lumbar disk replacement surgery in October.
  • Woods had surgery for a ruptured left Achilles last March.
  • Woods made his return to golf on Tuesday in the TGL Finals.

The players

Tiger Woods

A 15-time major champion golfer who has won the Masters tournament five times.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States who revealed Woods' playing status for the 2026 Masters.

Vanessa Trump

The girlfriend of Tiger Woods, who is the former daughter-in-law of Donald Trump.

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What they’re saying

“I love Tiger, but he won't be there. He will be there, but he won't be playing in it.”

— Donald Trump

“I've been trying. Just this body is – it doesn't recover like it did when it was 24, 25. It doesn't mean I'm not trying. I've been trying for a while. I've had a couple bad injuries here over the past years that I've had to fight through and it's taken some time.”

— Tiger Woods

What’s next

Woods will continue practicing at home this week as he tries to make progress in his recovery and determine if he can compete in the 2026 Masters.

The takeaway

Tiger Woods' ongoing injury struggles have cast doubt on his ability to compete at the highest level of golf, with his absence from the 2026 Masters tournament highlighting the challenges he faces in his quest to add to his legacy as one of the all-time greats of the sport.