Tiger Woods has once again captured the golf world’s attention – not with a tournament win, but with a single word:
There is
During a CBS appearance alongside Jim Nantz and Trevor Immelman, Woods was asked directly whether there was a possibility he could tee it up at Augusta National for the 2026 Masters. His response was immediate.
Woods said, offering a rare, straightforward hint about a potential comeback.
The exchange quickly went viral, reminding fans of Woods’ unmatched ability to move the needle. When he won his fifth Masters title in 2019, an estimated 37.2 million viewers tuned in – proof that even speculation around his return generates enormous interest.
Nantz playfully noted that Rory McIlroy will return as defending champion and Scottie Scheffler as the world No. 1. When asked who else might be in the field, Woods smiled and replied, “I know I’ll be there,” before referencing the Champions Dinner and The Patch, a course design project he recently unveiled.
But when pressed about whether he would compete rather than simply attend, Woods made clear he would not show up just for ceremony.
Back surgery recovery clouds PGA Tour plans for Tiger
The bigger question isn’t desire – it’s durability.
Woods underwent his seventh back surgery last October, a lumbar disc replacement at L4/5. Earlier in 2025, he also suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon during training. While he confirmed that the Achilles is no longer a concern – “Yeah, the Achilles was not an issue,” he said – the back procedure presents a more complicated recovery timeline.
“I’ve had a fused back and now a disc replacement, so it’s challenging,” Woods admitted.
Recovery from such surgery typically takes several weeks, but Woods’ medical history – including a previously fused spine – means his body has endured years of structural compensation. He acknowledged he is hitting full shots again, though not consistently.
When asked whether he plans to compete in a PGA Tour event before Augusta, Woods remained noncommittal.
Whether it’s the regular [PGA] Tour, the Senior Tour or member-guest, I don’t know
That uncertainty is understandable. In the past five years, Woods has completed only four 72-hole tournaments. In 2024, he played all four majors but made the cut only at Augusta, extending his record to 24 consecutive Masters cuts before finishing last among weekend competitors.
Yet history complicates skepticism. In 2008, Woods won the U.S. Open playing through severe knee injuries. In 2019, he claimed his 15th major title just two years after spinal fusion surgery.
Augusta has often been the stage for improbable returns. If Woods does enter the 2026 Masters, it will not merely be symbolic. His presence alone alters television ratings, tournament atmosphere and competitive narratives.
For now, there is no official confirmation – only possibility. But with Tiger Woods, possibility has always been enough to command the spotlight.
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