Tiger Woods, recovering from his second back surgery in the past 13 months, has yet to say when or if he will play competitive golf again.
But if it comes to the PGA Tour Champions, the 50-and-over field will be ready.
Woods turns 50 on Dec. 30, and PGA Tour Champions president Miller Brady told Golf Channel this week that preparations are already underway in case he chooses to play on the Senior Tour.
“Yeah, we’re ready. We’re well prepared,” Brady said. “We’ve done a bit of a clean slate over the past year to prepare for Tiger’s 50th birthday. If he comes on, our game will be ready.
“There will be more. Security, buses, portals, concession stands — all of that will be taken into account as we plan.”
However, Woods’ ability to compete is one of the biggest questions in the sport.
He has had seven back surgeries since April 2014, most recently earlier this month when he had a disc in his lower back replaced that was causing pain and immobility. He didn’t mention at the time how long it would take him away from golf.
He has also suffered serious injuries to his lower body, breaking his right leg and ankle in a car accident in February 2021 and rupturing his left Achilles tendon earlier this year.
“Honestly, considering the last surgery, I just hope Tiger can get back on his feet and be able to play golf again,” Brady told Golf Channel.
Woods has not played in any tournament since missing the playoffs at last year’s PNC Championship.
Benefits of the PGA Tour Champions include that most events are 54 holes and players are allowed to use golf carts.
