Donald Trump has insisted that Tiger Woods will not play at The Masters in 2026, despite the 15-time major champion's ongoing recovery from multiple surgeries. Speaking on FOX News' 'The Five', Trump said: 'I love Tiger, but he won't be there. He'll be there, but he won't be playing in it.'
Woods, 50, has lifetime eligibility for Augusta National as a five-time winner, but his status for next month's tournament remains uncertain. He last competed at The Open in July 2024 and underwent back surgery last October, months after rupturing his Achilles tendon. Woods admitted after his TGL Finals defeat that his body 'doesn't recover like it did when I was 24'.
Woods captained Jupiter Links in the virtual golf league, but they lost 9-2 to Los Angeles Golf Club in the best-of-three final. Englishmen Tommy Fleetwood and Justin Rose led the winning side. After the match, Woods said: 'We got our a*** kicked at the end. Three eagles in a row, we didn't respond.'
Despite the setback, Woods confirmed he will attend the Masters regardless. 'I've loved the tournament since I was 19 years old,' he said. 'I'm going to be there either way.' He added that he will continue practising and trying to make progress, but acknowledged his recent injuries have taken time to overcome.
Rose, who lost a play-off to Rory McIlroy at Augusta last year, sealed the TGL victory with a five-wood to four feet on the 10th hole. 'Three eagles on the bounce is an insane way to finish,' he said.
