Tiger Woods gives shock one-word answer on Masters return as icon reveals Ryder Cup captaincy call

Tiger Woods has refused to rule out a shock return at The Masters.

The 15-time major winner has not played at a single event since July 2024, when he missed the cut at The Open Championship.

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Woods ruptured his Achilles tendon when preparing for the 2025 Masters, before going on to have back surgery in October.

His injury problems, which continue to plague him in the latter stages of his incredible career, have seen him constantly in recovery.

Last year he wasn’t able to compete in a single PGA Tour tournament for the first time ever.

It has seen rumours around a potential retirement for the 50-year-old, as well as talk of a move to the Champions Tour.

Woods is now eligible to compete in the PGA Champions Circuit, which permits golfers to use carts while using a 54-hole set-up.

But he doesn’t appear to be looking at that switch just yet, as he’s hinted at a potential return to The Masters…

When asked at a press conference ahead of the Genesis Invitational whether an appearance at Augusta was off the table, Woods replied with a surprise one-word response.

He simply said, with a mild smirk on his face: “No.”

Should Woods make a shock return to golf at the Masters, almost two years on from his last event on the tour, it would be his first appearance at the iconic tournament since 2024.

The five-time Masters champion managed all four rounds at Augusta two years ago, after battling his way through tough conditions.

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Fitness update

Woods was also asked about his general fitness and recovery plans ahead of a comeback to the PGA or Champions Tour.

And he gave a fresh update on his situation, telling reporters in California: “Well, I’m trying, put it that way.

“The disc replacement has been one thing that’s been a challenge… it’s challenging.

“Now, I’ve entered a new decade, so that number is starting to sink in and I’m thinking about the opportunity to play in a cart.

“That’s something that I said I won’t do on the PGA Tour because I don’t believe in it, but on the Champions Tour, that’s certainly an opportunity.”

Woods went on to say that he doesn’t have a target for his return, but after his Masters tease, it could be sooner rather than later.

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Ryder Cup captaincy?

Alongside talk of his comeback from injury, Woods was also asked about whether he’s been contacted by the PGA of America.

He has been widely tipped to captain Team USA at the 2027 Ryder Cup – and he’s not ruled out taking up the role.

“They have asked me for my input on it, and I haven’t made my decision yet,” Woods revealed. “I’m trying to figure out what we’re trying to do with our Tour.

“And I’ve been trying to figure out whether I can actually do our team, Team USA, the players and everyone involved… if I can do it justice with my time.

“Serving on two boards and what I’m doing for the PGA Tour, I’m trying to figure out whether I can actually do this and serve the people that are involved.”