Tiger Woods Signals a Slow-Burn Comeback: A Grim Forecast for 2026

Update from the Hero World Challenge

The American golf legend Tiger Woods has ruled out a quick return to competition, attributing it to the slow pace of his recovery from back surgery he underwent in October.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Hero World Challenge, held annually in the Bahamas, Woods said, "it's not as fast as I hoped," referring to his rehab program, before adding, "I'm still far from pinning down a schedule for 2026, I just want to play again, let me get that done first, and then I'll see what the plan will be."

The 15-time major champion, whose last major win came in 2019, added, "Sadly, I have been through this rehab phase before, and it must be taken step by step."

Nevertheless, Woods remains confident in his ability to return someday, saying, "I just hope I can play golf again. I haven't played in a long time. It has been a tough year."

Woods, who turns 50 on December 30 this year, has undergone several surgeries since his last appearance at The Open in July 2024.

In mid-October, he underwent a lower-back procedure after previously suffering serious leg injuries from a 2021 car crash.

He said he has been cleared to hit some shots that don’t stress his back and, "this is good," adding that rehab remains "slow. I can't do much after the disc replacement in my back, really nothing at all. It will take time."

Despite that, the American remains convinced he will return to competition one day, saying again, "I just hope I can play golf again. I haven't played in a long time. It has been a tough year."

Final thoughts and a touch of humor

Punchlines: 1) If patience were a golf club, Tiger would owe everyone a handicap by now. 2) He’s so committed to rehab that his swing now comes with a built-in warranty: “Back not included.”