Ernie Els has a message for Tiger Woods, who will be eligible for the PGA Tour Champions in 2026.
“Beat us again … if you can,” Els said.
Els, from Juno Beach, has had a successful second chapter in his golf career on the senior circuit in which you must be 50 years old to play. He finished in the top 10 of seasonlong standings each of the past three years and currently is No. 5.
Woods, who lives on Jupiter Island, turns 50 on Dec. 30. He has not played a PGA Tour event in 2025 because of a ruptured Achilles and has 13 starts in the past five years without a top 25.
With Woods’ goal to play at least the majors and possibly one or two other tournaments each year, including the Genesis Invitational, which he hosts, he could benefit from joining the circuit with 54-hole events that allows the use of a golf cart.
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Els was asked this week at the groundbreaking for the newest project at the Els Center of Excellence, an autism-friendly recreation complex, if he believes Woods will join the 50-and-older crowd.
“I hope so,” he said. “I’ve said, please come play. And I think it can only be beneficial to him. He will get himself in golf shape. You can ride a cart without any shame and if there was one guy that should be able to drive a cart, it’s him.”
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Woods has dealt with various injuries for several years, including those suffered from a horrific car crash in 2021 when he faced the possibility of having his right leg amputated.
The inactivity has made it difficult for him to remain competitive and the injuries have made it difficult for him to walk the golf course.
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“It doesn’t help him to finish 70th on the regular tour, not really getting proper reps,” Els said. “He can shoot 66 (on the Champions Tour). Get your confidence up, make those birdie putts under the gun.”
Els and Woods had some epic battles during their heyday on the PGA Tour.
At the 2000 Mercedes Championships, both carded an eagle on the 72nd hole to force a playoff that Tiger won with a 40-foot birdie putt on the second extra hole. The 2003 Presidents Cup came down to Els and Woods in a playoff before both sides agreed to end the tournament in a tie after they tied each of the first three extra holes.
Els would like to see if they can add another chapter.
Tom D’Angelo is a senior sports columnist and reporter for The Palm Beach Post. He can be reached at [email protected].
