Tiger Woods’ future could be away from PGA Tour after £600million LIV Golf offer
Tiger Woods may soon bid farewell to the PGA Tour, as his body has endured significant wear and tear, limiting his ability to compete at the highest level. The 15-time major champion, known for his loyalty to the PGA Tour amidst the lure of the LIV Golf Invitational Series, now has his sights set on…
Tiger Woods may soon bid farewell to the PGA Tour, as his body has endured significant wear and tear, limiting his ability to compete at the highest level. The 15-time major champion, known for his loyalty to the PGA Tour amidst the lure of the LIV Golf Invitational Series, now has his sights set on senior golf. Despite turning down a staggering offer of £572-654 million to join LIV Golf two years ago, Woods remained steadfast in his support for the PGA Tour, criticizing defectors for abandoning the institution that helped build their careers.
Woods’ commitment to the PGA Tour is underscored by the £30 million in bonuses he received over the past three years. However, it’s been five years since his last tournament victory, and the physical demands of competing against younger players are taking a toll. As he approaches his 50th birthday in December, Woods becomes eligible for the PGA Tour Champions, the senior circuit reserved for players aged 50 and above. This transition seems like a natural progression for the legendary golfer, who has spent over three decades at the pinnacle of the sport.
Woods made a return at the Hero World Challenge in December, finishing 18th after recovering from a severe ankle injury. The physical challenge of walking 72 holes at PGA Tour events has become increasingly difficult for him, a limitation that would be significantly alleviated by the option to use a cart on the Champions Tour. Jack Nicklaus and others have expressed confidence in Woods’ ability to dominate the senior circuit. Nicklaus, speaking during the Masters in April, predicted Woods would “absolutely kill everybody” in the senior ranks.
Geoff Ogilvy, who turned 47 on June 11, is eagerly anticipating his own eligibility for the Champions Tour and expects Woods to bring a resurgence to the senior circuit. Ogilvy believes that the use of a cart will transform Woods’ game, drawing immense interest from fans and sponsors. He speculates that the Champions Tour could even surpass the PGA Tour in ratings once Woods begins competing, emphasizing that there are limited alternatives for Woods at this stage in his career.
Miller Brady, President of the PGA Tour Champions, has been preparing for Woods’ debut on the senior tour. Two years ago, Brady expressed a willingness to lower the entry age for the senior circuit if it meant securing Woods’ participation. Despite declining the offer, Woods’ eventual transition is highly anticipated, with Brady suggesting the Mitsubishi Electric Championship in January 2026 as an ideal debut event. He envisions Woods playing alongside Fred Couples, creating an exciting dynamic for fans.
Woods himself has expressed enthusiasm for competing on the senior circuit and achieving further accolades. Padraig Harrington, who encountered Woods during the PNC Championship, shared that Woods is eager to dominate senior golf and add more major titles to his resume. When asked about his upcoming 46th birthday at the Hero World Challenge in 2021, Woods humorously remarked, “Four more years until I get a cart,” hinting at his anticipation for this next chapter.
As the golf world eagerly awaits Woods’ decision, his potential shift to the Champions Tour marks a significant moment in the sport’s history. His presence on the senior circuit is expected to generate unprecedented interest and excitement, ensuring that his legacy continues to inspire and captivate fans worldwide.