The numbers
Tiger Woods, at age 50, is making a determined effort to return to competitive golf at The Masters, set to begin on April 9, 2026. This marks his first attempt to play in a major tournament after a year-long hiatus due to a series of injuries and surgeries.
In the past two years, Woods has undergone multiple surgeries, including a significant disk replacement surgery in October 2025. His last competitive appearance was in February 2025 during the TGL finals, where his team suffered a disappointing 9-2 defeat against the Los Angeles Golf Club. Woods expressed his frustration with the performance, stating, “We got our a** kicked at the end.” Despite the setback, he remains hopeful about his future in golf.
Woods has faced considerable challenges in recent years, having completed only four 72-hole tournaments in the last five years. His last participation in a PGA Tour event was at The Open in July 2024, where he missed the cut. This prolonged absence from the tour has raised questions about his readiness to compete at the highest level again.
Historically, Woods has been a dominant force at The Masters, winning the prestigious tournament five times: in 1997, 2001, 2002, 2005, and most recently in 2019. However, he missed the 2023 Masters due to plantar fasciitis, further complicating his return to form.
As a past champion, Woods is listed in the field for The Masters and has no deadline to commit to participation. He has expressed a strong desire to compete, saying, “I want to play, I’ve loved the tournament, I’ve loved being there since I was 19 years old.” This passion for the game fuels his ongoing recovery and training efforts.
Despite his determination, Woods has acknowledged the physical toll that age and injuries have taken on his body. He remarked, “I’ve been trying, this body doesn’t recover like it did when I was 24, 25.” This candid admission highlights the uphill battle he faces as he attempts to return to competitive golf.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding whether Woods will officially participate in The Masters. The exact date of his decision about participation is also unclear, leaving fans and observers eagerly awaiting updates on his status.
As the tournament approaches, all eyes will be on Woods to see if he can defy the odds and make a triumphant return to one of golf’s most iconic events.