Tiger Woods says it will still be “a while” before he returns to professional golf as he watched his Jupiter Links team claim their first TGL victory of 2026 on Monday.
Woods last played in an official PGA Tour event in July 2024 when he missed the cut at the Open and missed the entire 2025 season after rupturing his Achilles tendon last March and then undergoing a disc replacement in October.
The 50-year-old has made just 11 competitive starts since the car crash in 2021, struggling to compete in events during such a limited playing schedule.
When asked when he might play for his Jupiter Links team in the TGL this season, he said: “Play here? I don’t know. I like watching these guys. As far as competitive golf goes, it’s still some time.”
Woods played in three of Jupiter Links’ four losses at the tech tournament last year. He is officially part of the 2026 roster, but had already ruled himself out of the first few games before the new season.
Jupiter Links have just two league matches left on March 2 and 4 before the semi-finals and final later in the month, if they make the top four. However, Woods’ latest comments suggest he will not compete in the TGL this season.
Will Woods play PGA Tour Champions AND the PGA Tour?
Woods turning 50 frees him to play on the PGA Tour Champions starting next season, giving him the option to play events on either tour once he recovers from injury.
He could use a golf cart during PGA Tour Champions regular-season events, but downplayed any expectations of a quick return in December.
“I’m far from that part and that type of decision, that type of level of commitment,” he said.
Woods has been watching his Jupiter Links teammates at TGL Golf over the past month
“Unfortunately, I’ve already been through this rehab process, it’s just step by step. Once I feel like I’m training, exploding, playing, the recovery process, I can assess where I’m going to play and how much.
“I haven’t really delved into the Champions Tour schedule, except for a few tournaments.”
Get the best prices and book a round at one of over 1,700 courses across the UK and Ireland.
Could Koepka be at TGL Golf 2027?
Last week, Brooks Koepka revealed that the first person he called when he was released from his LIV contract was Woods, to discuss his return to the PGA Tour.
The five-time major winner ended his contract with the Saudi separatist series a year early because he wanted to spend more time at home with his family.
Woods, who in addition to being a 15-time major winner and chairman of the PGA Tour’s committee for future competitions, is still the player his contemporaries admire and Koepka knew he was his first point of contact.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Tiger Woods says Brooks Koepka’s return to the PGA Tour is important for the game, explaining that fans want to see the best players compete and adding that it strengthens competition at the highest level.
Woods said of Koepka potentially playing in the TGL next year: “Brooks just got his feet wet being back on our tour at Torrey, and he’s playing at Waste Management this week.
“We have a new team next year and we should have two. I don’t know when it will be united or not. But who knows.
“Whether Brooks should be on a team or not, but we have a great team here. My boys here, we’ve had so much fun going back and forth, and these group texts are just awesome.”
Watch the PGA Tour in Arizona for the WM Phoenix Open starting this Thursday at 2:15 p.m. on Sky Sports Golf before full coverage from 8:30 p.m.. Get Sky Sports Or stream without contract NOW.
