Where is the GOAT headed next? PGA Tour? PGA Tour Champions? Majors and senior majors? So many questions, and it’s complicated.
Where is Tiger Woods headed? This question has been asked almost every year since 2009, when his off-course scandals emerged; since 2014, when his ailing back sidelined him after a year of peak performance; and since 2019, when he defied the ‘They Never Come Back’ notion by winning his fifth Masters and 15th major. But nothing compares to the impact of his severe car accident on February 23, 2021, which nearly cost him his right leg and dramatically altered his career path.
Tiger Woods Turns 50: PGA Tour Champions Eligibility and Challenges
Eldrick Tont Woods, born December 30, 1975, in Long Beach, California, is now 50 years old and officially eligible to compete on the PGA Tour Champions, where players over 50 compete. He can ride in a cart during play there without any special exemption. While this seems straightforward, there are complex aspects concerning his physical condition and career plans that add nuance to this milestone.
‘It would be exciting to see Tiger play on the Champions Tour, and I am sure he will compete in several tournaments. He’s a very exciting personality, and it would be fantastic for Tiger and our tour if he joined us. I believe all players would welcome him.’
Bernhard Langer
Potential Impact and Tour Dynamics
The PGA Tour Champions circuit looks forward to Tiger’s possible participation as he could boost viewer ratings and sponsorship at a time when the tour is facing significant financial challenges, including a sudden $2 million pension fund cut and lacking a TV partner. Miller Brady, president of PGA Tour Champions, has said preparations are underway for Tiger’s appearances. However, there are many complexities, including scheduling conflicts and the balancing act with the main PGA Tour events.
‘At every meeting, we hope he plays. We all agree he might participate in around five tournaments. If we get ten from him, that would be fantastic. We also hope he informs tournament officials earlier than just Friday night before events.’
Steve Flesch, Player Director, PGA Tour Champions
Focus on Senior Majors and Future Challenges
Woods is likely to focus on senior majors such as the US Senior Open, where a win would make him the first golfer to win all major US golf championships from junior to senior levels, surpassing the legendary Bobby Jones. However, these senior majors are four-day, 72-hole events that typically require walking the course, something Woods may not be physically able to do without relying on the Americans with Disabilities Act for cart use, a potential contrast to his usual rejection of medical exemptions. Ultimately, Tiger will only compete if he feels he can contend and win, but as fellow golf star Justin Thomas said, ‘If anyone can do it, it’s him.’