Tiger Woods Opens Up on Injury Recovery and Masters Comeback Hopes
In a revealing media session ahead of the 2026 Genesis Invitational at The Riviera Country Club, golf icon Tiger Woods has shared a significant update on his physical condition and his aspirations to return to competitive play at the Masters tournament. The 15-time Major champion, who has not participated in a PGA Tour event since July 2024, expressed cautious optimism about his future in the sport despite a series of debilitating injuries.
Injury Challenges and Recovery Progress
Woods last competed officially in July 2024 at The Open, where he missed the cut, and he subsequently missed the entire 2025 season due to severe health setbacks. In March of that year, he suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon, followed by a disc replacement surgery in October. These procedures have posed considerable hurdles in his rehabilitation journey.
"I'm trying, put it that way," Woods admitted when discussing his comeback. "The disc replacement has been one thing, it's been a challenge." He noted that while his Achilles injury is no longer an issue, the recovery from the disc surgery has been slower and more painful than anticipated. "I can't dunk a basketball anymore," he quipped, highlighting the physical limitations he now faces. "As far as the disc replacement, it's just sore and it takes time."
Masters Ambition and Future Tournament Plans
When directly questioned about whether competing in the upcoming Masters was off the table, Woods responded with a definitive "No." This simple yet telling answer underscores his determination to add to his record of five Masters victories, with his most recent appearance at Augusta National occurring in 2024.
Woods also reflected on entering a new decade of his life, acknowledging that age is a factor in his recovery. He mentioned the possibility of using a cart in future competitions, though he ruled it out for the PGA Tour due to his personal beliefs. "On the Champions Tour, there's certainly an opportunity," he stated, indicating a potential shift in his competitive focus as he ages.
Training Regimen and Ryder Cup Captaincy Consideration
Despite the challenges, Woods has progressed to hitting full golf shots in his training, though he admitted consistency is an issue. "I'm able to hit them, not well every day, but I can hit them," he explained. His daily routine involves persistent effort to regain peak physical form. "My body has been through a lot," Woods said. "Each and every day I keep trying, keep progressing and working on it."
In addition to his playing career, Woods confirmed that he has been approached about captaining the US team at the Ryder Cup next year. He revealed that he is still deliberating the offer, weighing it against his commitments to the PGA Tour and other board responsibilities. "I'm trying to figure out if I can actually do this and serve the people that are involved at an honourable level," he remarked, emphasizing the time and dedication required for such a role.
Broader Context and Future Outlook
Woods' update comes amid a period of significant change in professional golf, with discussions around tours and player commitments ongoing. His insights into injury recovery, combined with his potential leadership in the Ryder Cup, highlight his enduring influence in the sport. Fans and analysts will be closely watching his progress as the Masters approaches, hopeful for a return of one of golf's most celebrated figures to the grand stage of Augusta.
