Golf fans may have to wait longer than expected to see Tiger Woods back on the course, as Rory McIlroy believes the legendary golfer won’t return to competitive play until at least 2026. This prediction follows Woods’ latest injury—a ruptured Achilles tendon—that required surgery earlier this week.
Woods, now 49, has been dealing with persistent injuries over the past few years, including serious leg damage from a 2021 car crash. His most recent PGA Tour appearance was at The Open in July 2023, and this latest setback only adds to the uncertainty surrounding his future in professional golf.
McIlroy Expresses Sympathy for Woods’ Injury Struggles
During a press conference ahead of The Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass, McIlroy spoke candidly about Woods’ struggles with injuries. “It sucks,” McIlroy said. “He doesn’t have much luck when it comes to injuries and his body. Achilles surgeries obviously aren’t fun. [I’m] hoping he’s in good spirits and doing OK. We obviously won’t see him play golf this year, and hopefully, we see him maybe in 2026.”
When asked whether he thinks Woods will attempt another comeback, McIlroy responded cautiously. “I don’t know what’s in his head. But, judging by prior behavior, he’ll definitely try.”
McIlroy’s Own Perspective on Retirement
While Woods continues to battle injuries, McIlroy—who has largely remained injury-free since 2015—shared his thoughts on how he wants to handle the later years of his career. The 35-year-old, a four-time major champion, said he wants to retire while he still has “a little bit left in the tank.”
“Golfers are lucky to have long careers compared to other athletes,” McIlroy noted. “But whenever I feel like the time is right, I’ll have no problem moving aside and letting the next generation do their thing.”
McIlroy made it clear that he doesn’t want to keep playing past his prime. “When I’ve achieved everything I want in the game and I don’t think I can compete at that level anymore, I don’t want to be out there embarrassing myself. I’d like to walk away maybe a little before I should.”
On the idea of playing in the Champions Tour after turning 50, McIlroy was adamant: “Absolutely not. I’ve said a lot of absolutes in my time that I’ve walked back, but I do not envision playing Champions Tour golf. Something has gone terribly wrong if I have to compete at golf at 50.”
Woods’ Long Battle with Injuries
Tiger Woods’ list of injuries over the years is extensive. From multiple knee and back surgeries to stress fractures and even a near-amputation following his 2021 car crash, his physical setbacks have continuously interrupted his career. Most recently, Woods revealed on social media that his left Achilles tendon had ruptured while ramping up training at home, requiring surgery.
This new injury will likely prevent Woods from playing in any tournaments this year, including the Masters. His return to professional golf remains uncertain, with many wondering if his body will allow him to compete at the highest level again.
Has Golf Seen the Last of Tiger Woods?
Golf without Tiger Woods has always seemed inevitable as he nears 50, but his numerous injuries have accelerated that reality. Woods was once expected to challenge Jack Nicklaus’ record of 18 major wins, but each injury has made that goal increasingly unlikely.
Nicklaus himself has acknowledged the impact of Woods’ injuries. “If he’d been healthy, I think he would have got it. But he didn’t remain healthy. We all have injuries and different things that change our careers,” Nicklaus said. “I feel bad for him.”
While Woods has exemptions to play in major tournaments like the Masters and PGA Championship, his ability to compete at a high level remains in question. Since his car crash, Woods has played in eight majors, but he has only completed all four rounds twice—and never contended for a win.
What’s Next for McIlroy and the Players Championship
McIlroy, who won the Players Championship in 2019, is gearing up for another run at the tournament. He recently won his 27th PGA Tour title at the Pebble Beach Pro-Am and is looking to improve on his performances at the Genesis Invitational and Arnold Palmer Invitational, where he finished tied for 17th and 15th, respectively.
Despite his recent struggles, McIlroy remains optimistic. “The turnaround in my putting from Torrey Pines to Bay Hill was great. I finished fifth in putting last week, so to see that turnaround was really encouraging,” he said.
McIlroy will be in a high-profile grouping for The Players Championship, teeing off alongside world number one Scottie Scheffler and world number three Xander Schauffele. The competition will be fierce, but McIlroy is focused on keeping his game sharp while Woods fights to recover.
Will Woods Make Another Comeback?
Woods has defied expectations before, most notably with his stunning victory at the 2019 Masters after years of injuries. While McIlroy is unsure if Woods can compete at the highest level again, he has no doubt that Woods will at least try. “He’ll try—I know he’ll try,” McIlroy said. “But that’s a question for him, not for me. I obviously don’t know what’s in his head. But judging by prior behavior, he’ll definitely try.”
For now, the golf world waits to see if Woods can recover once again. His future remains uncertain, but if history has taught us anything, it’s never wise to count Tiger Woods out completely.
