Tiger Woods’ future at Augusta National has long been a topic of quiet uncertainty. But the 15-time major champion isn’t ready to give up.

“I’d like to come back to just playing golf again,” he said back in December 2025. Unfortunately, his back might not align with his desires. And Johnson Wagner seemed to know about it. 

During his appearance on Straight Facts, Homie podcast, the former PGA star said, “I have so much respect for him and admiration for what he did,” Wagner said. “But I’m gonna say this. I don’t think we’ll ever see him play in another major championship. He’s always been the guy that said he’s not going to be a ceremonial golfer.”

“It makes me very sad. I just think his body is just beaten down. And I don’t think he can do it anymore.” 

Tiger Woods recently underwent surgery to replace his fourth and fifth lumbar discs. The reason? Taking to X, the 50-year-old legend revealed that he had “collapsed disc, disc fragments and a compromised spinal canal.”

This meant his mobility, especially his swing, was compromised. But he was spotted hitting balls earlier in September. 

Woods has not announced any formal retirement from major championships, but his limited schedule and repeated injury setbacks have fueled questions about whether another Masters appearance is realistically possible.

For now, Wagner’s remarks reflect a growing sentiment within the golf world. But Wagner is not alone. 

What Makes Tiger Woods’ Medical History Concerning?

The CEO of Eventive Sports, Gene Hallman, addressed the talk about Woods’ return and said, “I think our biggest challenge will be Tiger's back. He had his seventh back procedure in October. And he's just been cleared to chip and putt at this time. He could not even play in his own tournament last month in the Bahamas.” 

Since 2014, he has undergone multiple microdiscectomies, a spinal fusion in 2017, and now a lumbar disc replacement.

While those surgeries allowed brief comebacks, the cumulative impact has limited his ability to practice, walk courses, and withstand four-day tournament demands.

Woods’ greatness is unquestioned, but repeated surgeries and physical limits suggest his competitive future may no longer match his enduring legacy.

Written by

Krushna Pattnaik

Edited by

Oajaswini Prabhu