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Tiger Woods is not ready to rule out another run at Augusta, even as injuries and new responsibilities continue to reshape this stage of his career.
Speaking at Riviera Country Club ahead of the Genesis Invitational, Woods said he is still working toward a possible return to the Masters in April 2026. The 15-time major champion, who turned 50 last month, acknowledged that the physical road back has been anything but simple.
“I’m trying. Put it that way,” Woods said.
He has undergone a fused back procedure and a recent disc replacement and continues to manage the long-term effects of the 2021 car crash that severely injured his right leg. An Achilles injury added to the setbacks. Even so, he stopped short of ruling out Augusta.
When asked if the Masters was off the table, his answer was direct. “No.”
Turning 50 has also made him eligible for the Champions Tour, where players are allowed to use carts during competition. Woods said he would not consider using a cart on the PGA Tour but acknowledged it could be an option on the senior circuit.
Beyond playing, Woods now carries significant influence off the course. As chair of the PGA Tour’s Future Competitions Committee, he is deeply involved in discussions about reshaping the tour’s calendar and competitive structure. A revamped model could begin taking shape in 2027, with broader changes targeted for 2028.
He also confirmed that he has been approached about serving as U.S. captain for the 2027 Ryder Cup in Ireland. Woods said he has not yet decided, citing the time commitment required.
“I’m trying to figure out if I can do our team justice with my time,” he said.
This week at Riviera, Woods is serving as tournament host rather than competitor. The venue holds personal significance. It was here in 1992 that he made his PGA Tour debut as a 16-year-old.
Discussions about the tour’s future include shortening the season, increasing matchups between top players and potentially shifting the start of the schedule to after the Super Bowl. Woods said the aim is to strengthen the product while preserving room for emerging talent.
His playing future is still an open question, largely dependent on how his body responds in the months ahead. Even so, he continues to speak about Augusta as a real possibility, while also considering leadership roles and helping steer the future of the sport.
At 50, Woods is still figuring out how the next chapter of his career will unfold.
