Where does the GOAT go from here? PGA Tour? PGA Tour Champions? Majors and senior majors? Many questions, and it’s complicated.
Year after year since 2009, the question \”Quo vadis, Tiger?\” has been asked. From scandals to a debilitating back injury in 2014, and the triumphant fifth Masters win in 2019 proving his resilience, Tiger Woods has never been easy to predict. The devastating car accident on February 23, 2021, nearly ended his career when he suffered a shattered right lower leg and foot, likely due to a brief moment of drowsiness while driving.
Woods’ Eligibility for PGA Tour Champions
Eldrick Tont Woods turned 50 years old on December 30, 2025, making him eligible for the PGA Tour Champions, where players 50 and older compete, often using carts on the course. This eligibility is automatic, without any special exemptions, raising hopes for his participation. However, despite this, many challenges remain due to Woods’ physical condition and the complexities of his career stage.
\”It would be exciting to see Tiger compete on the Champions Tour, and I am convinced he will enter several tournaments. He is a very intriguing personality, and it would be fantastic for both Tiger and our Tour if he played here. I believe all players would welcome him.\”
Bernhard Langer
Impact and Challenges for the PGA Tour Champions
The PGA Tour Champions anticipates that Woods’ addition would revitalize the over-50 circuit, boosting fan interest and TV ratings, which have recently faced financial strain due to reduced funding and a lack of TV partners. Miller Brady, the PGA Tour Champions president, has assured that preparations are underway to accommodate Tiger, including security and logistics. Yet, complications remain, including scheduling conflicts and the commercial interests of the PGA Tour Enterprises, which now drives the operation under former American football executive Brian Rolapp.
\”We hope he will play. We agree he might participate in about five tournaments, and if we can get ten out of him, that would be fantastic. We do ask that if he does play, the tournament office is informed earlier than the usual Friday before the event.\”
Steve Flesch, Player Director of the PGA Tour Champions
Woods also recently signed on as a brand ambassador with Insperity, a sponsor for the Insperity Invitational on the PGA Tour Champions schedule in May, which coincides with a major PGA Tour event. His participation would undoubtedly draw massive media attention, potentially shifting coverage from one event to another.
Focus on Senior Majors and the Physical Dilemma
Woods is likely targeting senior major tournaments, including the US Senior Open. A win there would make him the first golfer to hold the US Junior, US Amateur, US Open, and US Senior Open titles, and would mark his tenth American championship, surpassing the legendary Bobby Jones. However, these four-day events do not automatically provide golf carts