Tiger Woods is keeping the possibility of a return to professional golf after a bout of health issues alive.
The 82-time PGA Tour winner, who turned 50 in December, simply responded "No" when asked by reporters whether he ruled out playing in the 2026 Masters, per CBS.
Ahead of the 2026 Genesis Invitational, he explained that despite undergoing a seventh surgery on his back last year, as well as dealing with the residual effects of past injuries, he's hopeful he can play at the Masters come April.
© Getty Images"I'm trying, put it that way," he told the press. "The disc replacement has been one thing. It's been a challenge to… I've had a fused back and now a disc replacement, so it's challenging."
He added further that turning 50 is also a factor. "And now, I entered a new decade, so that number is starting to sink in and has us thinking about the opportunity to be able to play in a cart."
"That's something that, as I said, I won't do out here on [the PGA Tour] because I don't believe in it," Tiger continued. "But on the Champions Tour, that's certainly that opportunity." His last pro appearance was during The Open Championship at Royal Troon in July of 2024.
© Getty ImagesHe further elaborated on his injuries, which include a torn Achilles and a collapsed disc. "The Achilles was not an issue. I can't dunk a basketball anymore, so I don't have to worry about that," he quipped.
"As far as the disc replacement, it's just sore. It takes time. [Will Zalatoris] went through it, and it took him a while to come back," Tiger continued. "I'm a little bit older than Willy Z. It's probably going to take me a little bit longer. My body has been through a lot."
"It's just one of those things where it's each and every day, I keep trying, I keep progressing, I keep working on it, trying to get stronger, trying to get more endurance in this body and trying to get it at a level at which I can play at the highest level again."
Meanwhile, on the plus side, the Woods legacy is being carried on through Tiger's son Charlie, who he shares with ex-wife Elin Nordegren. The 17-year-old made his amateur debut at the age of 11 with his dad at the 2020 PNC Championship.
© Getty ImagesAnd earlier in February, it was announced that Charlie has committed to playing professional collegiate golf with Florida State, to join the Florida State Seminoles men's golf team. Now, per Sports Business Journal, Charlie is officially receiving representation by Players Group Management.
While Charlie won't likely be represented by his father's longtime manager Mark Steinberg anymore, nor follow in his father's footsteps at Stanford University like his older sister Sam, Tiger couldn't be prouder.
© Getty ImagesWhen the teen shared the news of his upcoming enrollment in 2027 at Florida State on social media, his dad commented: "Congratulations Charlie. I'm so proud of you on entering this next chapter of your life."
