Tiger Woods is known for his unmatched legacy in professional golf, but in recent years, he has encountered complications outside of the game. Age, injuries, and surgeries have kept him mostly off the course since his last major victory at the 2019 Masters, which solidified his legendary status.

The 15-time major champion has had a difficult time getting back to his best due to several physical issues, including a serious car accident in 2021 that necessitated numerous operations. Moreover, the recent death of Kultida Woods has further pushed the GOAT away from the sport, as he is taking his time recovering. Fans are now left wondering if Woods will ever be able to regain his place among the elite—or if he is moving toward stepping into an alternate position within the sport—as concerns about his competitive prospects grow. So, let’s see what insiders have to say about this.

Golf insiders give up on Tiger Woods’ future

The most recent conversation on The Fore Play Podcast Plus has raised questions about Tiger Woods’s readiness to compete at the most elite level as the golf community anxiously awaits his next move. The outlook was anything but hopeful when Cal Clutterbuck, a veteran of the New York Islanders, joined presenters Frankie and Trent to talk about Tiger’s recent remarks regarding his 2025 schedule. Clutterbuck said, “These young guys in the talent level out there is only getting crazier. You’re seeing different guys win every week,” highlighting the growing difficulty Woods faces. Although praising Woods’s enormous impact on golf as a public personality and ambassador, Clutterbuck acknowledged that it might be too challenging to compete against the younger generations.

Trent, however, expressed a more pressing worry: Tiger’s insufficient training. “I think the most concerning part of that quote was the practice part of it,” he stated. “Because Tiger not playing in events is pretty standard procedure now. We see him two or three times a year, maybe, and we’re like, ‘Wow, that was a great year.’ But him not practicing and not getting the reps—that is where it’s—you know—he’s never in the past gone without touching a golf club. It sounds like he hasn’t even really been practicing at all,” Trent further added.

His preparedness for upcoming competitions is seriously called into question due to this lack of practice. “No way he’s gonna be tournament-ready,” Trent continued. This change is unparalleled in Tiger’s history. He has consistently insisted that he enters competitions because he thinks he can win. Even his most devoted fans, however, are beginning to acknowledge that his days of contending for big titles may be coming to an end as his injuries mount and his situation becomes more pressing. Trent went on to say, “You really can’t expect more from him,” underscoring a harsh fact for golf fans everywhere.

While acknowledging this, Clutterbuck argued that there is still a feeling of anticipation and confidence that Woods could accomplish the seemingly impossible whenever he plays. Nonetheless, there is still general agreement that Tiger Woods might be changing from a formidable competitor to the sport’s symbolic leader. Concerns regarding Woods’s future in professional golf are raised by his waning dedication to practice while dealing with personal loss. Let’s dig into this!

Woods’s heart needs time to make a comeback on the course

Since his mother’s passing away, Tiger Woods has been unsure if he would return to the PGA Tour, alleging a lack of desire to practice. Woods disclosed at a TGL event that he has only picked up a golf club three times since she passed away, saying, “My heart is really not into practicing right now.” He added that a part of the reason for his restricted practice time has been his duties with the PGA Tour regulation board.

Woods’s participation in forthcoming competitions, such as the Players Championship and the Masters, is in question due to this break from consistent preparation. Since failing to make the cut at the 2024 British Open, the 15-time major winner has not participated in an official competition. His comeback to competitive play has been made more difficult by his continued recuperation from a vehicle accident in 2021 and the accompanying back surgery he underwent in September 2024.

Now, supporters and experts are thinking about Woods taking a different route: joining the PGA Tour Champions. Some think that Woods’s best chance of playing competitive golf after he is 50 may be in the senior circuit due to his ailments and the challenge of playing against younger, more physically fit professionals. Even though a player of his caliber could find this change challenging to embrace, it would enable him to play without the same physical demands made by the usual Tour.

Woods has until Friday to make up his mind about playing in the Players Championship. He might not be prepared to fight at the greatest level, though, based on his recent remarks. He stated that he would review his schedule and could return to the tour if he gets better and more motivated. To sum up, there are numerous unresolved issues surrounding Tiger Woods’s grieving process and return to professional golf. As supporters, we can only wish for his health and honor the time he needs to grieve. The golf community will surely embrace him when he decides to return, and the legacy he has cultivated over the years is still intact.