Tiger Woods’ future could be away from PGA Tour after £600million LIV Golf offer
Tiger Woods’ Next Big Move: Ditching the PGA Tour for the Senior Circuit After £600 Million LIV Golf Snub*
Tiger Woods, the 15-time major winner and golfing legend, might soon bid farewell to the PGA Tour. With his body enduring countless injuries and a limited number of swings left, Woods is contemplating a shift to the PGA Tour Champions—a circuit exclusively for players aged 50 and over. This move comes after he famously turned down a staggering £600 million offer from the Saudi-backed LIV Golf Invitational series two years ago.
A New Chapter for a Legend
Woods has always been a staunch supporter of the PGA Tour, even as other players defected to LIV Golf for massive paychecks. He criticized those who left, emphasizing the PGA Tour’s role in their success. Despite rejecting the lucrative LIV offer, Woods played a crucial role in the discussions about merging the PGA and Saudi circuits, underscoring his significance to the tour. Over the past three years alone, he has received £30 million in bonuses from the PGA Tour.
However, Woods has not won a tournament in five years, and competing against much younger players on the grueling PGA Tour has taken its toll. As he approaches his 50th birthday in December, Woods is becoming eligible for the PGA Tour Champions. This senior circuit could offer a new arena for Woods to showcase his enduring talent without the intense physical demands of the main tour.
The Senior Circuit Beckons
Woods’ return to the Hero World Challenge in December after recovering from a severe ankle injury highlighted his struggles. Finishing 18th, he demonstrated resilience but also revealed the physical limitations that have plagued him in recent years. The option to use a cart on the Champions Tour would significantly ease these challenges, potentially prolonging his competitive career.
Many, including golfing great Jack Nicklaus, believe Woods would dominate the senior circuit. Nicklaus confidently stated, “He’ll absolutely kill everybody,” during an interview at the Masters in April. Geoff Ogilvy, another player nearing eligibility for the Champions Tour, predicts a resurgence in interest and ratings once Woods joins, suggesting that the senior tour could even outshine the PGA Tour.
Preparing for Tiger’s Arrival
PGA Tour Champions President Miller Brady has long anticipated Woods’ potential transition to the senior circuit. Two years ago, Brady mentioned he would lower the entry age if it meant Woods would join, though Woods declined, preferring a fair competition with senior legends like Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer.
Brady envisions Woods making his debut at the Mitsubishi Electric Championship in January 2026, ideally paired with Fred Couples. This scenario would undoubtedly captivate golf fans worldwide, marking a new era for the Champions Tour.
Dominating the Senior Majors
Woods himself has expressed a desire to compete and win on the senior circuit. Padraig Harrington recounted a recent encounter with Woods, where the golfing icon joked about looking forward to beating his peers in senior competitions. Woods’ ambition to add senior major titles to his impressive CV indicates his unwavering competitive spirit.
Reflecting on his future during the Hero World Challenge in 2021, Woods humorously noted, “Four more years until I get a cart,” highlighting his anticipation for this new chapter.
As the golfing world eagerly awaits Woods’ next move, one thing is certain: whether on the PGA Tour or the Champions circuit, Tiger Woods’ impact on the sport will continue to be monumental.