Tiger Woods Faces Decisions on Masters, Ryder Cup Captain Role

The golf legend is weighing a potential Masters return and Ryder Cup captaincy in the coming months.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

Tiger Woods is keeping everyone guessing about his plans for the upcoming golf season. The 50-year-old hasn't competed in over a year, but he hasn't ruled out playing in the Masters in April. Woods is also the top choice to be the 2027 Ryder Cup captain, but he's unsure if he can take on the time-consuming role given his other commitments, including his work on the PGA Tour's Future Competition Committee.

Why it matters

Woods' potential return to the Masters would be a major story in golf, as the former champion has not played in the tournament since 2020. His decision on the Ryder Cup captaincy is also significant, as the role has become increasingly demanding in recent years. Woods' involvement in shaping the future of the PGA Tour schedule is also noteworthy, as he looks to leave a lasting impact on the sport beyond his playing career.

The details

Woods kept the door open for a Masters appearance, replying 'No' when asked if playing in the tournament was off the table. However, he acknowledged that he hasn't competed in over a year and is still recovering from a seventh back surgery. The PGA of America is asking Woods to decide on the Ryder Cup captaincy before the Masters, as the role has become time-consuming. Woods said he is focused on his work on the PGA Tour's Future Competition Committee, which is undertaking a major overhaul of the tour schedule.

  • Woods turned 50 at the end of 2025.
  • The 2027 Ryder Cup matches are scheduled to take place in Ireland.
  • The 2026 Masters Tournament is scheduled for April 2026.

The players

Tiger Woods

A legendary professional golfer who has won 15 major championships, including 5 Masters titles. He is currently weighing a potential return to the Masters and a role as Ryder Cup captain.

Brian Rolapp

The CEO of PGA Tour Enterprises, who is expected to provide an update on the progress of the PGA Tour's new schedule overhaul.

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What they’re saying

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

— Tiger Woods (Washington Times)

“There's been a lot of moving parts over the last couple years.”

— Tiger Woods (Washington Times)

What’s next

In the next two weeks, PGA Tour Enterprises CEO Brian Rolapp is expected to provide an update on the progress of the new PGA Tour schedule, which Woods is heavily involved in shaping. By early April, Woods will need to decide whether he wants to take on the role of 2027 Ryder Cup captain.

The takeaway

Tiger Woods' future plans remain uncertain, as the golf legend weighs a potential Masters return and a demanding Ryder Cup captaincy role. His work on reshaping the PGA Tour schedule has become a top priority, underscoring his desire to leave a lasting impact on the sport beyond his playing career.