Miller Brady, the PGA Tour Champions president, has stated that the over-50s circuit is “ready” and “well-prepared” for the possibility of Tiger Woods making his debut next year. Woods turns 50 on 30 December and will therefore have the option to compete in senior events whenever he chooses.
However, the 15-time major champion underwent back surgery for the seventh time earlier this month – a procedure that has ruled him out of December’s PNC Championship. There are concerns that the American might not even be back for The Masters at Augusta National in April.
Despite this, Brady is still preparing for Woods to play on the senior circuit when he is fit and available. “Yes, we’re ready,” Brady told the Golf Channel ahead of the former World No.1’s 50th birthday later this year.
“We’re well prepared,” he added. “We’ve done some white-boarding over the past year in preparation for Tiger turning 50. And if and when he plays, our tournaments are prepared. It is going to be more. Security, buses, portalets, concession stands – all of that is taken into account when we plan for that. To be honest with you, given the last surgery, I just hope that Tiger gets back on his feet and is able to play golf again.”
Woods has never publicly revealed whether he will or will not feature on the PGA Tour Champions when he turns 50. But one obvious event to add to his decorated cabinet would be the US Senior Open.
The 2026 championship is due to take place at Scioto Country Club in Columbus, Ohio, in early July. There is hope that Woods will have recovered sufficiently to participate in the tournament.
Having claimed nine USGA championships, Woods is presently level with Bobby Jones following three victories each in the US Junior, US Amateur and US Open. Securing just one more USGA triumph would see him become the outright leader with 10 titles – a record that would seemingly be unattainable for any other competitor.
Additional PGA Tour Champions Major tournaments he may consider include the Regions Tradition at the end of April. The Kaulig Companies Championship – formerly known as the Senior Players Championship – could also prove an attractive proposition for Woods to enter.
Last year, Jack Nicklaus forecast that Woods would compete and “dominate” on the circuit. “I believe he’ll probably play the Senior Tour and I believe he’ll probably dominate the Senior Tour,” Nicklaus said.
“Tiger is too much of a competitor not to play. I don’t believe he will not play. I believe he will play. I don’t think Tiger will play for money. He doesn’t need money. Tiger will play for competition. He loves competition, and he’s very good at it, obviously.”
Woods secured his most recent major triumph at the 2019 Masters. This success, nevertheless, marked his first major championship in 11 years and arrived after overcoming substantial back difficulties, with his children present at the 18th green.
