Rating Tiger Woods’ Chances In The 2025 Majors

Tiger Woods’ disappointing performance at the 2024 Open, where he missed the weekend cut for the third consecutive Major, raises questions about his ability to regain top form. After a poor year by his standards, Woods announced a four-month break before returning at the Hero World Challenge and PNC Championship in December.

Reflecting on his season, Woods said, “I’d like to have played more, but I just wanted to make sure that I was able to play the Major championships this year. I got a lot of time off to get better, to be better physically, which has been the case all year. I’ve gotten better, even though my results really haven’t shown it, but physically I’ve gotten better, which is great. I just need to keep progressing like that and then eventually start playing more competitively and start getting into kind of the competitive flow again.”

What will Woods’ 2025 Major season look like? Five Golf Monthly writers share their perspectives.

**Nick Bonfield, Features Editor:**
Tiger Woods’ 2025 Major season will likely mirror this year. His body seems only capable of handling five events annually. Without an increase in his schedule, he won’t contend in another Major. His match fitness is lacking, leading to unforced errors and poor putting. While I believe he should retire, he’s determined to continue. I expect him to make the Masters cut but struggle in the other Majors.

**Jonny Leighfield, Staff Writer:**
Unless Woods increases his playing commitments, 2025 will be similar to 2024. He could benefit from playing additional tournaments before The Masters and between the other Majors to shake off rust. An injury-free period might allow for a healthier Tiger, capable of making more cuts and possibly achieving a top-25 finish.

**Michael Weston, Contributing Editor:**
Predicting Woods’ 2025 is challenging. Despite his efforts, he’s always one injury away from another setback. Even if he plays more tournaments, his body might not handle the increased workload. I foresee a mix of brilliant moments and rusty performances, and doubt he will achieve another Major top-10 finish.

**Paul Higham, News Contributor:**
Woods faces a dilemma: not playing enough to sharpen his game for the Majors versus risking injury by playing more. He seems to be improving physically and might try to play more in 2025, potentially at Riviera in February and The Players in March as lead-ins to Augusta. Performance-wise, expect similar results to 2024 – a Masters cut and struggles at the PGA and US Open. However, he could make the weekend at Portrush under favorable conditions.

**Elliott Heath, News Editor:**
Contrary to the pessimism, there is hope for Woods. Playing all four Majors in 2024 is a positive step. He looks better physically since his ankle fusion surgery, and with continued improvement, he could play more next year. Never underestimate Woods. He still believes in his ability to compete with the best and will work hard to achieve it. His putting needs improvement, but I believe he will contend for a Major in 2025 and secure his 83rd PGA Tour win. This could set up his 16th Major win at the 2026 Masters, surpassing Jack Nicklaus’ record with a sixth Green Jacket at 50. Woods still has another moment of greatness left in him.