Tiger Woods addressed his recovery from back surgery, potential Masters return, and PGA Tour schedule reforms during a press conference ahead of the Genesis Invitational. The 50-year-old has not ruled out competing at Augusta National in April. He also revealed ongoing discussions about captaining the 2027 U.S. Ryder Cup team.
Tiger Woods spoke to reporters on February 17, 2026, at Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades, California, ahead of the Genesis Invitational, an event he has hosted since 2020 with his foundation as the chief charitable beneficiary.
Woods provided an update on his health following disc replacement surgery in October 2025, his seventh back procedure. He stated he can hit full shots but not consistently well every day, describing his body as sore and the recovery process as time-consuming. 'I'm trying, put it that way,' Woods said. 'Each and every day, I keep trying, I keep progressing, I keep working on it, trying to get stronger, trying to get more endurance in this body and trying to get it at a level at which I can play at the highest level again.' He has not played competitively since the 2024 Open Championship and missed the entire 2025 season due to injuries, including a ruptured Achilles tendon repaired in March 2025.
Regarding the Masters, starting April 9, 2026, Woods was asked if it was off the table. 'No,' he replied succinctly. He last competed there in 2024, making his record 24th consecutive cut before finishing 60th.
As a new decade begins after turning 50 in December 2025, Woods expressed interest in the PGA Tour Champions, where carts are allowed—a option he rejects on the PGA Tour. 'That's something that, as I said, I won't do out here on this tour because I don't believe in it. But on the Champions Tour, that's certainly that opportunity,' he noted.
Woods also addressed the 2027 U.S. Ryder Cup captaincy in Ireland. The PGA of America has sought his input, but he has not decided, citing heavy commitments. 'They have asked me for my input on it, and I haven’t made my decision yet,' Woods said. 'I’m trying to figure out what we’re trying to do with our tour. That’s been driving me hours upon hours every day.' He previously declined the 2025 role for similar reasons.
As chairman of the PGA Tour's Future Competition Committee, Woods detailed efforts to revamp the schedule. Changes may begin in 2027 but could roll out over multiple years, aiming for a leaner calendar starting after the Super Bowl, more events in major U.S. markets, and dominance in summer. 'We would like to have it happen in 2027—we may have to roll it out over a couple-year period,' he said. Potential shifts include moving the Genesis Invitational to August as part of the FedExCup Playoffs, a possibility welcomed by sponsor Genesis, which renewed through 2030. Woods emphasized creating opportunities for young players amid fewer tour cards to heighten competition.
'I thought I spent a lot of hours practicing in my prime. It doesn't even compare to what we've done in the boardroom,' Woods reflected on the demanding work.
