Tiger Woods hints at Masters return

Tiger Woods has indicated that a return at The Masters remains a possibility after making his first competitive appearance in over a year during the TGL Finals. 

The 50-year-old used the indoor event as a step in his recovery, using it as preparation ahead of his possible appearance at Augusta in April.

Woods featured for Jupiter Links Golf Club in the season-ending series, taking part in limited action that included approach shots and short-game work. 

It was his first appearance in a competitive setting since undergoing back surgery last October, following a long period out that also included recovery from an Achilles injury.

Although his involvement was brief, Woods described the outing as part of his effort to assess where his game and fitness stand. 

He has not competed on the PGA Tour since 2024 and missed the entire 2025 season, making any return dependent on how his body responds to increased workload.

Speaking after the TGL Finals, Woods said he is “trying to play” at Augusta and has not ruled out taking part. He also mentioned that his body does not heal as quickly as it did earlier in his career, but he was eager to return to action.

Woods said, “It [the body] doesn’t recover like it did when it was 24, 25. It doesn’t mean I’m not trying. I’ve been trying for a while. I’ve had a couple of bad injuries here over the past few years that I’ve had to fight through, and it’s taken some time.

“I keep trying. I want to play. I love the tournament.”

Woods has often used Augusta as a preferred setting for comebacks, having built a strong record at the tournament over the years. 

His last appearance came in 2024, where he extended his streak of made cuts at the event, further strengthening his connection to the course.

The TGL outing provided a controlled environment for Woods to return to competition, even if only for a short period. 

It also offered a chance to test his body under match conditions without the physical demands of a full tournament.

His team was beaten in the finals, but the result carried less weight than the fact that he was back competing.

For now, Woods remains without a confirmed return date. However, his latest appearance has given some hope that he could appear at The Masters. 

In the meantime, the former world number one would spend his time completing his healing while training for his next outing.