Champions Tour 'prepared' if Tiger Woods joins circuit

ON THE MEND: Tiger Woods turns 50 on Dec. 30 and therefore would be eligible to compete for the PGA Tour Champions in 2026. Pic: Jane Barlow/PA Wire.

Tiger Woods turns 50 on Dec. 30 and therefore would be eligible to compete for the PGA Tour Champions in 2026.

Now, Woods hasn't revealed his hand in that regard. And, to be fair, it's not his hand that is the issue. It's his back, as in the recent back surgery that throws into question any kind of competitive golf for the 15-time major winner.

With that said, PGA Tour Champions president Miller Brady told Golf Channel that the tour is ready should Woods try his luck on the senior circuit.

"The answer is yes, we're ready. We're well prepared," Brady said. "We've done some white boarding over the past year in preparation for Tiger turning 50, and if and when he plays, our tournaments will be prepared."

So what type of preparations are being considered?

"It is going to be more. And you mentioned it -- security, buses, portalettes, concession stands -- all of that is taken into account when we prepare for (Woods playing)," he said.

Brady, however, opted to keep it simple given Woods' recent surgery.

"To be honest with you," Brady said, "given the last surgery, I just hope that Tiger gets back on his feet and is able to play golf again."

Woods has been absent from PGA Tour-sanctioned tournaments since the Open Championship in July 2024.

He has been plagued by health issues since a 2021 car accident. He had surgery to repair a ruptured left Achilles tendon in March.

Meanwhile tournament host Woods will not compete in the December 4-7 Hero World Challenge in Albany, Bahamas, according to the final player field released on Wednesday.

When the initial field was announced three weeks ago, there was hope Woods would be added later as one of three exemption spots but he has since undergone lumbar disc replacement surgery and his return date is unknown.

According to organisers of the Hero World Challenge, a charity event that benefits Woods' foundation, the final three players who will round out the 20-player field are Jordan Spieth, Billy Horschel and Akshay Bhatia.

Twice defending champion Scottie Scheffler and 2016 winner Hideki Matsuyama of Japan were previously announced as being among those who had officially committed to the event.