Tiger Woods: Masters 2026 ‘not on the table’ but no timetable for return

Tiger Woods says competing in this year’s Masters is “not out of the question” but the 15-time major champion still has no timetable for his return.

Woods, who turned 50 on December 30, underwent surgery in October to replace a disc in his back.

It was the latest in a series of operations and injuries that have kept the American on the sidelines since he missed the Open in July 2024.

“It’s just one of those things that happens every day, and I keep trying, and I keep going,” Woods said.

He added: “I keep working on it, trying to get stronger, trying to get more stamina in this body, trying to get to the level where I can play at the highest level again.”

Speaking at Riviera Country Club near Los Angeles, which is hosting the Genesis Invitational this week, Woods said he has progressed from chipping and practicing and is now “capable” of hitting perfect shots.

“I’m not feeling well every day, but I can beat them,” he said.

“As far as the disc replacement, it’s just painful. It takes time. My body has been through a lot.”

Woods won his fifth Masters title in 2019, ending an 11-year drought in major tournaments, and added that he did not rule out competing in Augusta from April 9 to 12.

He suffered serious leg injuries in a car accident in 2021 before undergoing back surgery in September 2024 and suffering a ruptured Achilles tendon last March.

“My back was fused and now I’ve had a disc replaced, so it’s a challenge,” the 50-year-old said. “I’ve now entered a new decade, so that number is starting to come down and it’s got us thinking about the opportunity to play in the bandwagon [on the Champions Tour]”.