Tiger Woods Keeps Masters Return in Play as Ryder Cup Captaincy Remains Uncertain

by February 17, 2026

Tiger Woods and the Masters Tournament

Tiger Woods is keeping his options open regarding a potential return to the prestigious Masters tournament, set to begin on April 9. This comes despite the uncertainties surrounding his golf career following his seventh back surgery, which involved a disk replacement.

Focus on PGA Tour Reform

Speaking at the Genesis Invitational, Woods acknowledged that he has been focusing on reforming the PGA Tour’s structure, emphasizing that his efforts in the boardroom have consumed more time than he spent practicing during his competitive prime.

Current Status and Future Plans

As the five-time Masters champion, Woods participated in the event last year, extending his remarkable streak to 24 consecutive cuts made. However, as he prepares to celebrate his 50th birthday at the end of 2023, he remains cautious about when and where he might play again. He has not yet participated in the new indoor TGL matches and mentioned that while he is able to hit full shots, it is not a daily occurrence, and his performance is not where he wants it to be.

Injury Recovery and Challenges

Reflecting on his injury struggles, Woods has been recovering from a ruptured Achilles tendon, which he underwent surgery for in March 2025. Although that issue has resolved, he noted some ongoing discomfort in his lower back and acknowledged the challenges of rehabilitation at his age.

“My body has been through a lot… I keep progressing, working on building strength and endurance to compete at the highest level again,”

he stated.

Commitment to the PGA Tour

In his current role on the PGA Tour’s board and the Future Competition Committee, Woods is dedicated to enhancing the format and scheduling of tournaments, aiming to make them more meaningful for the sport’s elite players. Recent discussions have included moving the Genesis Invitational to be closer to Augusta, highlighting the ongoing efforts to reevaluate the tour’s calendar.

Future Opportunities

While Woods has previously declined to captain Team USA for the Ryder Cup due to time constraints, he is still contemplating the opportunity for the 2027 matches in Ireland.

“I haven’t made my decision yet,”

he said, underlining that his focus on the PGA Tour’s future remains his top priority. As anticipation builds for future tournaments, including the potential for significant changes later this year, Woods is dedicated to paving the way for the next generation of golfers, ensuring they have the opportunities necessary to thrive in the sport.