Where to next for the GOAT? PGA Tour? PGA Tour Champions? Majors and Senior Majors? Many questions, and it’s complicated.
Quo vadis, Tiger? This question could be asked every year since 2009, when his off-course issues came to light. Since 2014, after a back injury halted his momentum, and notably since 2019, when his fifth Masters and 15th major victory silenced all doubters saying ‘They Never Come Back’.
Especially since the tragic February 23, 2021 car accident that nearly cost him his right leg. Woods miraculously survived, but his career trajectory was heavily impacted.
Quo vadis, Tiger: Eligibility for PGA Tour Champions and the Reality
Eldrick Tont Woods recently turned 50, making him eligible for the PGA Tour Champions where players can use carts without special permissions. Despite this, complications remain due to his physical condition.
Woods’ entry to the over-50 circuit is highly anticipated as a major draw for fans and sponsors, providing vital attention to the tour, which suffers from reduced funding, no TV partners, and substantial financial needs for event coverage.
Woods Would Be a Significant Boost for the PGA Tour Champions
Miller Brady, PGA Tour Champions president, has assured that preparations are ready for Woods’ participation, but several challenges exist including scheduling conflicts with regular PGA Tour events.
Woods’ endorsement deal with Insperity, which sponsors the Insperity Invitational on the senior tour during May, coincides with the high-profile Truist Championship on the PGA Tour, complicating media and fan attention.
Focus on Senior Majors and the Next Challenge
Woods is likely to target senior majors such as the US Senior Open, aiming to become the first player to win all US top championships across different age groups. However, these events require 72 holes over four days and do not guarantee cart use, which may present difficulties for Woods given his physical limitations and his history of declining medical exemptions.
Ultimately, Woods will only compete if confident he can contend and win, a sentiment echoed by fellow golfer Justin Thomas: ‘If anyone can do it, it’s him.’