Tiger Woods has not ruled out the possibility of retirement as he closes in on his 50th 𝐛𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡day – but he could be handed a major lifeline on the PGA Champions Tour
Tiger Woods may tee up with the seniors on the PGA Champions Tour in two years, having expressed his exasperation with his recent performance.
The golf icon, 48, boasts an impressive tally of 15 major titles, yet his showing at this month’s U.S. Open highlighted the gap between him and the leaders, as he failed to make it past the cut-off on Friday. Woods shared his thoughts with the media, saying, “It’s one of those things where in order to win a golf tournament, you have to make the cut.
“I can’t win the tournament from where I’m at, so it certainly is frustrating. I thought I played well enough to be up there in contention. It just didn’t work out. As far as my last Open Championship or U.S. Open Championship, I don’t know what that is. It may or may not be.”
Still grappling with the injuries sustained in his February 2021 car crash, which nearly derailed his golfing journey for good, Woods has only participated in a mere 10 competitive events over three years. However, once he hits the 50-year mark, Woods could find new opportunities on the Senior Tour, potentially chasing a historic Grand Slam of U.S. Open victories, as suggested by fellow golfer Padraig Harrington.
No golfer has ever clinched the U.S. Junior Amateur, U.S. Amateur, U.S. Open, and U.S. Senior Open in their career. If Woods decides to pursue this unique Grand Slam, he would emerge as the most illustrious USGA Champion in history.
Currently, Woods’ collection includes nine USGA accolades; a trio of US Junior Amateurs and US Amateurs from 1991-96, along with three U.S. Open crowns secured between 2000-08.
“He’d love to win that Grand Slam and get some of the other senior majors on his CV,” Seniors star Harrington told Golfweek. “I saw him at the [PNC Championship] and we were just crossing paths and he laughed at me. I won’t say exactly what he said but the gist of it was he can’t wait to get out and beat me.”
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No player has ever won the U.S. Junior Amateur, U.S. Amateur, U.S. Open, and U.S. Senior Open during their career ( Image: Getty)
Geoff Ogilvy believes Tiger could also make a splash on the PGA Tour Champions. “Taking a cart changes everything for him. Interest both from fans and sponsors is going to be through the roof. I think there’s a good chance that Champions Tour ratings can top the PGA Tour when he decides to play. And what else is he going to? “.
Tour President Miller Brady has already outlined the perfect scenario for Woods’ potential arrival. “In an ideal situation, Tiger turns 50 and the Mitsubishi Electric (in January 2026) is his first start,” Brady said. “Maybe you pair him with Fred Couples and they have a great time.”
