Washington. – Legendary American golfer Tiger Woods left open the possibility of competing in the next Masters Tournament, the first ‘major’ tournament of the season scheduled for April, which would mark his return to high competition after almost two years of inactivity.
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During a press conference held in Los Angeles, Woods responded with a “no” when asked if he ruled out participating in the Masters, a tournament he has won five times (1997, 2001, 2002, 2005, and 2019) and which represents one of the most emblematic chapters of his career.
The golfer, who turned 50 in December, has not competed officially since 2024 due to a ruptured Achilles tendon and his seventh back surgery, injuries that have conditioned the final stretch of his professional career.
Genesis Invitational Host
While defining his possible return to Augusta, Woods will host this week's Genesis Invitational, a tournament managed by his foundation and which in 2026 celebrates its 100th edition at the Riviera Country Club.
The tournament will be held from February 19th to 22nd with a reduced field of 72 players, in a 72-hole format with a cut after the first 36 holes for the top 50 finishers. Sweden's Ludvig Aberg will defend the title against figures like Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, J.J. Spaun, and Collin Morikawa, among others.
Leadership in the PGA Tour Transformation
In addition to referring to his possible participation in Augusta, Woods addressed his role as chairman of the PGA Tour's Future Competition Committee, a body that is working on a deep restructuring of the circuit with a view to 2027.
The goal is to strengthen the competitive product following the talent drain towards LIV Golf, backed by Saudi capital. Woods explained that the intention is to make the Tour more attractive, increase competitiveness, and reduce the number of cards to raise the level of demand.
"We have to find the balance so that the circuit is the best possible product every year and, at the same time, continue to evolve," he pointed out.
Possible captain in the 2027 Ryder Cup
Woods was also asked about the possibility of captaining the US team at the 2027 Ryder Cup, which will be held in Ireland, following the disappointing performance of the home team in the 2025 edition in New York.
The former world number one acknowledged that he has been contacted to take on that role, although he stated that he has not yet made a decision, as he is currently prioritizing his work on the restructuring of the Tour.
At 50 years old, Woods continues to be a central figure in world golf, both for the expectation generated by his possible return to the 'majors' and for his influence on the future of the professional circuit.
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