In recent years, there has been speculation about when Tiger Woods will return to competitive golf after his latest back surgery in September. The surgery was performed to relieve nerve impingement and back pain, and Woods has not played competitively since missing the cut at the Open Championship in July. While there were initial hopes that he may play at his own event, the Hero World Challenge, Woods confirmed that he would not be in the field this year. This has led to further speculation about when Woods will tee it up again, especially considering his previous statements about wanting to play once a month.
Although Woods will not be playing in the Hero World Challenge this year, there is a possibility that he may participate in the PNC Championship. This event is different from a full tournament, as it is a 36-hole event that allows for a more relaxed atmosphere. Woods could potentially rely on his son, Charlie, to help him during the event and also have the advantage of riding in a cart. The Woods team has participated in the event every year since 2020.
One potential scenario for Woods’ return to competitive golf could be at Torrey Pines, a course that he loves and has had success at in the past. While Woods has not played in a non-major event since 2020, returning to a familiar course like Torrey Pines could be a possibility if he still aims to play once a month. Another event where Woods may make a comeback is Riviera, a tournament that he has made an effort to play in even during his recoveries from surgeries.
The 2025 Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass could also be a potential event for Woods to make his return. While he has not played at TPC Sawgrass since 2019, the tournament could align with his goal of playing once a month competitively. Additionally, the Masters Tournament at Augusta National, a tournament where Woods has had great success, could be a significant event for his comeback. Woods is a five-time winner at Augusta National and has tied the record for consecutive cuts made at the Masters.
Another major event where Woods may return to competitive golf is the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow, a course where he has previously won the Wachovia Championship in 2007. Woods is a four-time PGA Championship winner and the warmer weather in Charlotte in May could be beneficial for his body. The U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club in Pennsylvania is another major event where Woods could potentially make a comeback, as he finished T-2 in his one U.S. Open at the venue.
While Woods struggled at the Royal Portrush course during the 2019 Open Championship, his body may be better prepared for the challenging conditions if he is able to compete in multiple events leading up to the tournament. Overall, there are several opportunities for Woods to make a comeback in 2025, and if he is able to maintain his competitive shape, there is a chance that his body will be better equipped to handle the rigors of professional golf.
