Tiger Woods will not participate in the upcoming Masters Tournament, which has sparked speculation and concern throughout the golfing community. The 49-year-old legend with five Masters titles underwent surgery for a ruptured left Achilles tendon.
His current injury adds to numerous physical problems that Woods faced in recent years, including multiple back surgeries and a severe car accident in 2021. His most recent major victory came at the 2019 Masters, and he has only played sporadically since, with his last competitive round coming at The Open in July 2024.
Golf fans who watch tournament outcomes closely and are looking to get in on Woods action can visit a list of betting sites not on gamstop for various wagering options on major golf events, and should adjust their expectations about when Woods might return to competitive play. These sites allow players to enjoy easily updated odds, in addition to other interesting perks like high betting limits and instant transactions.
Woods is also dealing with a personal tragedy: his mother, Kultida Woods, died on February 4. He withdrew from the Genesis Invitational after this loss to grieve and spend time with family.
Gary Player, who won nine major championships, expressed serious doubts about Woods’ ability to compete at Augusta National Golf Club. Player pointed out that the course terrain presents major challenges for Woods because of his physical condition.
“His legs are not in good shape,” Player stated in a frank assessment that highlights the physical demands required to walk the hilly Augusta course four days in a row. The South African golf icon understands these challenges first-hand, as he won the Masters three times during his career.
Many people across the golf world speculate about what comes next for Woods. ESPN analyst Tony Kornheiser suggested Woods might move to the Senior Tour after his 50th birthday because of his injuries. Kornheiser said this change could let Woods stay involved in golf while he faces fewer physical demands than regular PGA Tour events.
This move would represent an important change in Woods’ career path, but experts believe it is a practical choice given his physical limitations. Woods’ competitive career could be extended by playing on the Senior Tour, which has a less demanding schedule and shorter courses.
Rory McIlroy, who competes with Woods and counts him as a friend, expressed sympathy about Woods’ constant injury struggles. McIlroy acknowledged nobody knows when Woods might return to competitive golf: “I think we all hope he comes back, but we just don’t know when.” He added that a return in 2025 seems unlikely, but he wants Woods to participate in 2026.
Woods’ absence at the Masters means more than just one missing competitor—it signals the possible end of an era in golf. Since his first victory at Augusta in 1997, Woods became synonymous with the tournament, attracting massive crowds and television audiences whenever he competed.
Tournament organizers and broadcasters know how Woods’ absence affects viewership and attendance. His mere presence usually boosts television ratings, and many fans come just to watch him play. The uncertainty surrounding his future participation creates an empty spot that few current golfers can fill.
Woods fought through adversity throughout his later career. After his win at the 2019 Masters—widely regarded as one of the greatest comebacks in sports history—many hoped Woods had overcome his worst physical challenges. The new injuries and setbacks changed these expectations, and fans and analysts now must reconsider what remains possible for the golf legend. Woods bounced back from injuries time after time when most people counted him out, never quitting.
His fans still hope he’ll do it again and wonder what kind of comeback it’ll be. Will he compete for majors again? Or will he transition to part-time player, mentor to younger players, or sports ambassador?
With the Masters tournament coming up, everyone’s thinking about Tiger’s future. He’s faced countless setbacks, but this time feels different. Golf fans pray for another comeback while accepting we might be seeing the end of Tiger’s competitive career.
