"I'll keep knocking his door": major champion opens up about Tiger Woods' future
LA JOLLA, CA - FEBRUARY 16: Tiger Woods looks on during the trophy ceremony following the final round of The Genesis Invitational 2025 at Torrey Pines Golf Course on February 16, 2025 in La Jolla, California. Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire GOLF: FEB 16 PGA, Golf Herren The Genesis Invitational EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon250216042
LA JOLLA, CA - FEBRUARY 16: Tiger Woods looks on during the trophy ceremony following the final round of The Genesis Invitational 2025 at Torrey Pines Golf Course on February 16, 2025 in La Jolla, California. Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire GOLF: FEB 16 PGA, Golf Herren The Genesis Invitational EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon250216042
Four-time major winner Ernie Els will do his best to bring fellow golfing legend Tiger Woods to the PGA Tour Champions. Woods continues to struggle with his back problems, and Els would want the 50-year-old to join the senior circuit.
Woods has missed back-to-back major seasons on the PGA Tour. He has also gotten busy with the technical side of the American circuit. Despite that, the door to the senior circuit will always be open for the 15-time major winner.
"He's always welcome [on the PGA Tour Champions]. We had the discussion about the Champions Tour, and he asked me about it, and he started warming to it,” said Els. "I'll keep knocking on his door."
Woods has not featured in the competitive scene since the 2024 Open at Royal Troon. In 2025, he underwent the seventh back surgery of his career and remained sidelined.
March 27, 2026, Jupiter, Florida, USA: Tiger Woods has been involved in a rollover car accident near his home in Jupiter, Florida, authorities say. Woods has been charged with a DUI and with property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test. FILE PHOTO SHOT ON: December 22, 2024, Orlando, Florida, USA: Tiger Woods watches his tee shot off the 10th hole during the final round of the PNC Championship at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club. Orlando USA - ZUMAw109 20241222_fap_w109_049 Copyright: xDebbyxWongx
March 27, 2026, Jupiter, Florida, USA: Tiger Woods has been involved in a rollover car accident near his home in Jupiter, Florida, authorities say. Woods has been charged with a DUI and with property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test. FILE PHOTO SHOT ON: December 22, 2024, Orlando, Florida, USA: Tiger Woods watches his tee shot off the 10th hole during the final round of the PNC Championship at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club. Orlando USA - ZUMAw109 20241222_fap_w109_049 Copyright: xDebbyxWongx
Earlier this year, Woods was all set to make his return. Unfortunately, days before his planned return, Woods was injured in a car accident in Florida.
In recent months, Woods has been heavily involved with the structural shift of the PGA Tour.
“He's a busy guy; he's got a lot of responsibility. He's always been very busy, shifting around the last four or five years, a lot of stuff behind the scenes," Els added, as reported by HITC's Charlie Walker.
Woods is a member of the PGA Tour's policy board. He is also the chairman of the PGA Tour's future competitions committee, which developed the new two-tier system set to be implemented in 2028.
There is a high chance that Woods will return at the PNC Championship in December alongside his son Charlie. The Hero World Challenge is also on the cards.
Woods will certainly be a huge addition to the PGA Tour Champions. In fact, he has publicly commented on that prospect earlier.
Tiger Woods on playing on the PGA Tour Champions
Back problems have marred Tiger Woods’ chances of returning to the PGA Tour. However, PGA Tour Champions might do him a favor with one of its provisions.
“I’ve had a fused back and now a disc replacement, so it’s challenging. And now I entered a new decade, so that number is starting to sink in and has us thinking about the opportunity to be able to play in a cart,” Woods said at this year’s Genesis Invitational, reported by Golf Channel on X.
Woods’ back surgeries have left him incapable of walking around golf courses. The senior circuit allows golf carts, which could ease his return.
“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,” Woods added.
Woods turned 50 last year and is now eligible to feature on the PGA Tour Champions. Only time will tell when Ernie Els’ wish comes true.
Do you think Tiger Woods will join the PGA Tour Champions? Share your thoughts in the comments.
Written by
Avishek Sarkar
Edited by
Rudra Dubey