Where does the GOAT go from here? PGA Tour? PGA Tour Champions? Majors and Senior Majors? Many questions, and it’s complicated.
Where is Tiger Woods headed? This question has been raised almost every year since 2009, when his off-course issues became public. After his peak form in 2013 was halted by back problems in 2014, and again following his triumphant fifth Masters and 15th major in 2019 that defied the ‘They Never Come Back’ narrative, Tiger proved that one must never count the GOAT out.
Most notably, everything changed after his serious car accident in California on February 23, 2021. Miraculously surviving, the crash nearly cost Woods his right lower leg and foot, drastically impacting his golfing career. The accident was reportedly caused by microsleep behind the wheel.
Woods’ Eligibility for PGA Tour Champions: All Set?
Now aged 50, Eldrick Tont Woods, born December 30, 1975, is officially eligible to play on the PGA Tour Champions. He can cruise the fairways in a cart without special permission, seemingly a smooth transition.
It would be exciting to see Tiger play on the Champions Tour. He is a captivating personality, and it would be fantastic for him and our tour. I think all players would welcome him.
Challenges Ahead for Tiger and the Tours
However, the senior circuit is facing funding cuts and lacks a TV partner, creating financial pressures. PGA Tour Champions is now managed with a commercial focus under former American football executive Brian Rolapp, aiming to boost sponsorship and fan engagement amid declining financial support from the PGA Tour.
Miller Brady, PGA Tour Champions president, confirmed preparations for Tiger’s arrival, including logistics and security. Yet practical complications and scheduling conflicts remain.
We all hope Tiger will play, maybe five tournaments, possibly up to ten. We also hope he will inform tournament officials well before events.
The PGA Tour in Ponte Vedra Beach acknowledges Woods’ influence but likely aims to maintain focus on regular PGA Tour events, limiting overlap with the senior tour.
Endorsement Deals and Overlapping Tournaments
Woods recently became a brand ambassador for Insperity, which sponsors the Insperity Invitational on the PGA Tour Champions in May, coinciding with the PGA Tour’s Truist Championship in North Carolina, a high-profile $20 million event.
As a friend of Tiger, I’d love to see him compete with us. He’d have a lot of fun, and he’d be a huge asset to the Champions Tour, attracting fans to watch us enjoy the game.
Though no obligation to compete is in Woods’ contract, his presence at any event or clinics would garner substantial media attention, likely shifting coverage from regular tour stops.