Over the years, Tiger Woods has built a long association with The Players Championship, winning the tournament twice in 2001 and 2013.  However, this year, Woods isn't part of the event, and Justin Thomas has voiced his opinion on it.

During a press conference on Monday at The Players Championship, Justin Thomas was asked what he would think if the two-time Players champion wanted to tee it up despite not meeting the qualification criteria.

"I'm always going to be for him playing. I think for the betterment of golf and the tournament, I don't think there's anybody that would be against it. I guess unless somebody that isn't qualified, I'm sure they would like to play too," said Justin Thomas.

Woods' five-year exemption from winning the 2019 Masters Tournament has ended, and he has not played a PGA Tour event since the 2024 The Open Championship. This leaves him out of the 120-player field.

The 2007 PGA Championship winner’s limited schedule also follows several factors over the past few years, including recovery from injuries related to his 2021 car crash and a later back procedure. 

Woods has also stepped away from regular competition while dealing with the loss of his mother in early 2025. Instead, he's spending time on PGA Tour policy discussions and meetings.

To return to the The Players Championship, Woods would need to qualify through a PGA Tour win, a position inside the top 50 of the world rankings, or through the FedEx Cup standings.

However, Justin Thomas was't the only player to share his view on the matter.

Tommy Fleetwood reacts to Tiger Woods’ eligibility situation

35-year-old Tommy Fleetwood was also asked about it during media availability at TPC Sawgrass this year.

Fleetwood said, “I wasn’t really sure what criteria goes into this tournament, but if Tiger Woods wants to play anywhere in the world, I think Tiger Woods should be able to play.”

Meanwhile, Tommy Fleetwood himself arrives at The Players Championship after winning the 2025 Tour Championship to claim his first PGA Tour title and the FedEx Cup.

His start to the 2026 season has included appearances across the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour, including two top-10 finishes.

Yet, what do you think? Should Tiger Woods be allowed to play at The Players Championship?

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Written by

Aditi Singh

Edited by

Sagnik Bagchi