Tiger Woods Eyes Masters Return, Future Ryder Cup Captain Role

Recovering from back surgery, Woods weighs Augusta comeback and potential 2027 Ryder Cup captaincy

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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Despite missing all tournaments last year due to back surgery, golf legend Tiger Woods has not ruled out a return to the Masters in April. The 50-year-old is also considering a potential role as U.S. Ryder Cup captain in 2027, though he declined the position two years ago citing a lack of time. Woods continues to recover and work on regaining his strength and endurance, with his focus also on reshaping the PGA Tour schedule as part of the 'Future Competition Committee'.

Why it matters

Tiger Woods' potential return to competitive golf at the Masters would be a major story, given his storied career and the excitement he generates. His possible captaincy of the U.S. Ryder Cup team in 2027 would also be noteworthy, as he has been a key figure in the sport for decades. Woods' work on the PGA Tour's 'Future Competition Committee' also signals his continued influence in shaping the future of professional golf.

The details

Tiger Woods missed the 2025 Masters, ending his record streak of 24 consecutive cuts made at the major. However, he has not ruled out a return to Augusta National in 2026. Woods is currently recovering from his seventh back surgery, a procedure to replace a disk, and is working to regain his strength and endurance. He has yet to compete in any PGA Tour events this year or the new indoor TGL league. Woods is also considering taking on the U.S. captaincy for the 2027 Ryder Cup in Ireland, a role he declined two years ago due to a lack of time to commit to it.

  • Woods celebrated his 50th birthday at the end of 2025, making him eligible for the PGA Tour Champions.
  • Woods missed every PGA Tour event in 2025, the first time in his storied career he did not compete in a single tournament.
  • Woods had surgery in March 2025 for a ruptured Achilles tendon, which is no longer holding him back.

The players

Tiger Woods

A legendary professional golfer who has won 15 major championships, including 5 Masters titles. He is currently recovering from back surgery and weighing a potential return to the Masters and a future Ryder Cup captaincy role.

Brian Rolapp

The CEO of the PGA Tour, who has tasked Woods' 'Future Competition Committee' with creating a new model for fewer but more meaningful tournaments.

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What they’re saying

“I thought I spent a lot of hours practicing in my prime. It doesn't compare to what we've done in the boardroom.”

— Tiger Woods (foxnews.com)

“We're trying to create opportunities for that turnover ... to get more youth out here because eventually they're going to take over the game. So trying to create that opportunity, trying to create the right competitive model and the environment to foster that, that's been the greater challenge of it all.”

— Tiger Woods (foxnews.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Tiger Woods' potential return to the Masters and consideration for the 2027 Ryder Cup captaincy highlight his enduring influence and importance in the sport of golf, even as he continues to recover from injuries. His work on the PGA Tour's 'Future Competition Committee' also demonstrates his vision for shaping the future of the game and providing opportunities for the next generation of stars.