Where is the GOAT headed next? PGA Tour? PGA Tour Champions? Majors and senior majors? Questions abound and it’s complicated.
Where is Tiger Woods headed? One could ask this question every year since 2009 when his off-course issues came to light, since 2014 after injuries slowed him down, and since 2019 when his fifth Masters victory debunked the myth ‘They Never Come Back’. Especially since his serious car accident on February 23, 2021, which nearly cost him his right lower leg and drastically altered his career.
Quo vadis, Tiger: Eligibility for PGA Tour Champions and what it means
Now 50 years old, Tiger Woods is eligible to play on the PGA Tour Champions, where players over 50 compete and are allowed to use carts. This eligibility comes without special exemption. However, the complexities go beyond just eligibility and physical condition.
“It would be exciting to see Tiger play on the Champions Tour, and I am convinced he will compete in several events. He is a very exciting personality and it would be fantastic for him and our Tour.”
Bernhard Langer
A major boost for PGA Tour Champions
Though the PGA Tour Champions is keen about Tiger’s possible participation, the senior circuit faces financial and broadcast challenges, including a recently cut pension fund and lack of a TV partner. The leadership has prepared for Tiger’s arrival, but there are many complications related to scheduling and logistics.
“We all hope he will play some tournaments and notify tournament officials well in advance if he does.”
Steve Flesch, Player Director PGA Tour Champions
Focus on Senior Majors… and the challenges ahead
Tiger is likely targeting senior majors and select events hosted by friends, such as Steve Stricker’s American Family Insurance Championship. Winning a senior major would add to his unparalleled achievements including multiple US Junior, Amateur, and Open titles. However, senior majors are four-day events without automatic cart use, posing a challenge Tiger has to consider due to his physical limitations and his personal reluctance to seek medical exemptions.
“I told him to come play. It can only do him good to get back into golf shape. He deserves to ride a cart here.”
Ernie Els
Ultimately, Woods will only participate if he feels competitive enough to win. As Justin Thomas said, “If anyone can do it, it’s him.”