Where is the GOAT heading next? PGA Tour? PGA Tour Champions? Majors and Senior Majors? Many questions, and it’s complicated.
Each year since 2009, the question “Quo vadis, Tiger?” has been asked. After personal scandals, back injuries, and a miraculous victory at the 2019 Masters, Tiger Woods has repeatedly defied expectations. However, the severe car accident in California on February 23, 2021, which nearly cost him his right leg and foot, has deeply impacted his career trajectory.
Woods at 50: Eligibility and Challenges on the PGA Tour Champions
Now fifty years old, Eldrick Tont Woods is officially eligible to compete on the PGA Tour Champions, where he can ride carts on fairways without special permission. Yet, questions remain about his physical condition and readiness.
The PGA Tour Champions circuit welcomes Woods as a potential major draw, promising increased attention from fans, TV, and sponsors amid financial pressures and leadership changes within the PGA Tour Enterprises.
“It would be exciting to see Tiger play on the Champions Tour, and I’m sure he will compete in several events. He is a very exciting personality, and it would be fantastic for Tiger and our Tour,” said Bernhard Langer.
Preparations and Complications
Miller Brady, president of the PGA Tour Champions, states they are prepared for Tiger’s participation, but many complications exist. Tournament schedules, financial deficits, and competing interests between the regular PGA Tour and the Champions Tour pose challenges.
Woods recently became a brand ambassador for Insperity, sponsor of the Insperity Invitational on the Champions Tour, which coincides with high-profile PGA Tour events, highlighting scheduling conflicts and media attention issues.
“I would be thrilled to see Tiger play and compete with us. He would bring a lot of fun and draw many spectators,” said Darren Clarke.
Focus on Senior Majors and Physical Dilemmas
Woods is expected to target senior majors, especially the U.S. Senior Open, aiming to become the first golfer to win all major U.S. championships across different age levels. However, the four-day format of senior majors requires walking 72 holes, which is difficult for Woods, who might need to rely on ADA provisions for cart use, a situation conflicting with his personal pride.
Ultimately, Woods will only compete if confident of contending for wins, echoing fellow golfer Justin Thomas who said, “If anyone can do it, it’s him.”