Tiger Woods has offered the first detailed update on his recovery from a seventh back surgery, saying he is restricted to short and mid-iron swings and remains uncertain about a competitive return.
At a Glance
- Woods, who turned 50 on Dec. 30, has clearance for only partial practice swings
- His last 72-hole event was the April 2024 Masters
- Eligibility for the PGA Tour Champions-where carts are allowed-arrives as he faces an 18-month competitive layoff
- Why it matters: Fans hoping for a swift comeback must now weigh age, injury history, and a lengthening absence against the 82-time PGA winner’s storied resilience
Speaking to ESPN’s Scott Van Pelt before Jupiter Links GC lost to New York GC in a TGL televised match on Jan. 13, Woods described both physical and competitive rust after his October 2025 procedure.
“I’ve been cleared to hit, basically, hit short irons and mid irons,” he told Van Pelt. “I haven’t gone any beyond that.” The golfer, who moved cautiously while cheering teammates at SoFi Center in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., said he has no firm timeline for progressing to drivers or full rounds.
Recovery Takes Longer at 50
Woods acknowledged age is altering his rehab pattern.
“My prep is gonna have to be a little bit different from my other procedures I’ve had in the past,” he explained. “I get sore faster, I guess, because I’m 50. And that happens.”
Key differences in this recovery:
- Staying “a lot more patient” with daily progress
- Frequent soreness requiring longer rest periods
- No date set for hitting drivers or playing practice rounds
- Anticipates being “rusty” after a projected 18-month competition gap
The five-time Masters champion last completed four competitive rounds at Augusta National in April 2024. Since then, back issues and the latest surgery have kept him from tournament golf.
Champions Tour Beckons
Turning 50 grants Woods automatic eligibility for the PGA Tour Champions, the senior circuit that permits carts and shorter venues. Woods did not commit to a schedule but noted the option provides flexibility as he evaluates future goals.
While he mulls next steps, family life remains active. In November, Woods and ex-wife Elin Nordegren reunited on a Florida course to watch 16-year-old Charlie Woods compete in the Florida 1A state championship. Charlie, the top seed for The Benjamin School, helped the team secure its fifth state title and first since 2023. The couple also share 18-year-old daughter Sam.
Uncertain Timeline
Despite optimism from fans, Woods offered no prediction on tournament play in 2026.
“Whenever that time comes, when I start hitting drivers, and I start playing at home, and start doing all the different things, I will have been away from the game for a year and a half, so I’m gonna be pretty rusty,” he said.
For now, workouts focus on controlled swings, short irons, and maintaining patience-a virtue the 15-time major winner admits is now as critical as any club in his bag.
