Tiger Woods Discusses Possibility of Playing in 2026 Masters on Video Amid Injury Rehab

Tiger Woods said there is a possibility he will play at this year's Masters Tournament during an interview with CBS Sports' Jim Nantz and Trevor Immelman at the Genesis Invitational on Saturday.

The 50-year-old Woods, a 15-time major winner who has 82 PGA Tour victories to his name, hasn't played in an official pro tournament since 2024, when he took part in all four majors plus the Genesis Invitational, which he hosts every year.

Woods has dealt with a litany of injuries and undergone numerous surgeries over his career. In 2025, Woods suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon that required surgery in March. He then underwent lumbar disc replacement surgery (his seventh back surgery) in October.

On Wednesday, before the tournament began, Woods was asked whether a Masters return this year was "off the table." Woods replied "no," per Sky Sports.

He also spoke a bit about his current health.

"The Achilles is not an issue," he said. "I can't dunk a basketball anymore.

"As far as the disc replacement it's just sore and it takes time.

"My body has been through a lot. It's one of those things, each and every day I keep trying, keep progressing and working on it. I'm trying to get this body at a level where I can play the highest level again.

"Yeah I'm able to (hit full shots), not well every day, but I can hit them."

Woods confirmed that he will be present in Augusta for the Masters, which begins on Thursday, April 9.

Nantz also asked Woods if he would play a tournament before the Masters.

"I don't know," Woods said. "I don't know, whether it's regular tour, senior tour, member guest, I don't know."

So the door is at least open for Woods to return to a place where he's created so much magic over the years. Of note, he set the then-course record at 18-under 270 in 1997, when he was just 21 years old.

Woods also authored a tremendous comeback and victory at the Masters in 2019 at 42. In between, he won three more Masters championships for five total.

Woods' last Masters was in 2024. He made the cut at one-over but struggled over the last two days to finish at 16-over. However, just finishing the tournament was an accomplishment in itself as he dealt with pain that he notably said lasted "all day" on Saturday.

Seeing Woods participate in the Masters this year would be an incredible treat for golf fans. The hope, of course, is that Woods can be as healthy and as pain-free as possible if he does tee up.