Tiger Woods' Masters Return Looks Promising, Says Colt Knost

The golf legend's recent progress has Knost optimistic about Woods' chances of playing at Augusta National in April.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Tiger Woods has been hinting at a potential return to the Masters tournament this year, and golf analyst Colt Knost is increasingly optimistic about Woods' chances of playing. Knost noted Woods' improved mobility and attitude, saying there's a better chance Woods tees it up at Augusta than not. However, Knost cautioned that Woods should only commit if he feels fully ready, as a premature comeback could lead to further injury setbacks.

Why it matters

Tiger Woods' presence at the Masters always generates immense excitement and interest in the sport of golf. Despite being away from competitive play for nearly two years, Woods remains golf's biggest draw, and his potential return would be a major boost for the tournament and the sport as a whole.

The details

Woods has been working his way back from a 2025 back surgery and managing an Achilles issue. At a recent event at Riviera, he stopped short of ruling out a return at Augusta, saying he's been making full swings at home, even if they haven't been great. Knost noted that walking is the biggest issue for Woods, but said he's been moving well and his attitude looks good, leading Knost to believe there's a better chance Woods plays than doesn't.

  • Tiger Woods last played competitively at The Open Championship in 2024.
  • The Masters tournament is scheduled for April 2026.

The players

Tiger Woods

One of the greatest golfers of all time, Woods has been sidelined by injuries in recent years but remains golf's biggest attraction.

Colt Knost

A former professional golfer who now works as a golf analyst, Knost has been closely following Woods' recovery and progress.

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What they’re saying

“If you would have asked me a couple of weeks ago, if I thought Tiger was gonna play, I'd say probably no. I honestly am now leaning towards, yes.”

— Colt Knost, Golf Analyst (Yahoo Sports)

“Walking is the biggest issue for him. And he said he's been making full swings at home. They haven't been great, but it's Tiger Woods.”

— Colt Knost, Golf Analyst (Yahoo Sports)

What’s next

The Masters tournament is scheduled for April 2026, giving Woods two more months to continue his recovery and determine if he feels ready to compete at Augusta National.

The takeaway

Tiger Woods' potential return to the Masters has golf fans buzzing, as his presence would bring unmatched excitement to the tournament. However, caution is warranted, as Woods must only commit to playing if he is fully healthy and ready, in order to avoid further injury setbacks that could jeopardize his future in the sport.