Tiger Woods, the 15-time major champion, acknowledged Wednesday that he remains “pretty rusty” as he continues his recovery from back surgery and weighs a return to competitive golf. Woods spoke with ESPN’s Scott Van Pelt ahead of his Jupiter Links GC team’s TGL match, offering a candid update on his progress.
At age 50, Woods has undergone his seventh back surgery, performed in October 2025. Doctors recently cleared him to hit only short and mid irons, a milestone that marks real progress but falls short of a full return to play. “I haven’t gone any beyond that,” Woods said, underscoring how limited his current practice remains.
“I will have been away from the game for a year and a half,” Woods told Van Pelt. “So I’m gonna be pretty rusty.”
Woods’ admission underscores the challenge ahead. He has not competed in a full professional tournament since April 2024, when he played at The Masters. His recovery has at times been slow and demanding, requiring patience and adjustments to his training.
“My prep is gonna have to be a little bit different from my other procedures,” he said. “I’ve had to stay a lot more patient with myself. I get sore faster, I guess, because I’m 50. And that happens.”
Recovery, Patience and Perspective
Woods cheered on his teammates from the sidelines in Palm Beach Gardens, offering encouragement even as he remained off the course. While he has practiced limited shots, the long drives and physical demand of full rounds remain distant goals.
Turning 50 also made Woods eligible for the PGA Tour Champions, a circuit where competitors may use golf carts. That option gives him something to consider should his body continue to resist a full return to the PGA Tour.
Despite his current limitations, Woods’ presence and leadership remain influential. He recently played a role in shaping the PGA Tour’s Returning Members Program, helping facilitate the return of fellow star Brooks Koepka. “It’s great for the fans,” Woods said of Koepka’s decision to rejoin the Tour, emphasizing a merit-based future for elite golf.
Woods did not set a timeline for his next competitive appearance. He has spoken about balancing recovery with the realities of age and previous injuries. His last full stretch of tournament golf coincided with a period of multiple surgeries and extended absences.
For now, the legend of the sport continues to rebuild his game step by step. His frank acknowledgment of rust reflects not only physical time away from golf but also the mental adjustment that comes with recalibrating expectations.
“Whenever that time comes,” Woods said of a full comeback, “there’s a lot that goes into it.”