Each week I’m going to post about trending stuff, issues and events worth of discussion in this wonderful Golf Industry we all love. Might as well start with Golf biggest Icon Tiger 🐯

Tiger Woods Opens Up About Recovery, Future Plans, and the Direction of the PGA Tour

Tiger Woods returned to the spotlight this week at the Hero World Challenge, offering a rare and honest look into his recovery, his future in competitive golf, and his growing influence behind the scenes on the PGA Tour.

Recovery: Progress, But Slow

Woods revealed that he is still in the early stages of recovering from his most recent back surgery — his third in just over a year. He has only recently been cleared to chip and putt and admits that progress has been slower than he’d hoped. Full swings are still some way off as he focuses on strengthening and rotational work.

No Comeback Date Yet

Fans hoping for a surprise return will have to wait. Woods confirmed he won’t play the PNC Championship with his son Charlie this year, nor will he feature in the first half of the TGL season.

For now, he’s not putting any date on a competitive return. He wants to simply get back to playing golf at all before committing to a schedule.

Limited Golf in Recent Seasons

Since 2020, Woods has made only 11 competitive starts, with injuries heavily restricting his appearances. His most recent outing came at the 2024 Open, where he missed the cut. As he approaches his 50th birthday, speculation continues about a possible move to the PGA Tour Champions — but Woods isn’t rushing that decision either.

Leadership Role Behind the Scenes

While he may not be playing, Woods is having a major impact off the course. As chair of the PGA Tour’s Future Competitions Committee, he’s helping shape what the Tour could look like from 2027 onward.

Ideas being explored include:

• Starting the season after the Super Bowl

• Simplifying the FedEx Cup points system

• Potentially moving to around 20 equal-status tournaments

• Improving fan experience and long-term sustainability

Woods emphasised transparency and collaboration, noting they’ve spoken with sponsors, CEOs, media partners, and tournament directors to build a product that works for everyone.

Admiration for Today’s Stars

Woods also praised Scottie Scheffler’s remarkable consistency and strategy, calling his approach “incredible.” He reflected on the generational shift in the sport, highlighting how players are arriving younger, stronger, and more prepared than in previous eras.

What’s Next?

There’s no set return date — just a desire to get healthy enough to play again.

But what’s clear is that Tiger Woods isn’t stepping away from the game any time soon.

Whether he’s competing, shaping the future of the Tour, or guiding the next generation, he remains one of golf’s most influential voices.