Tiger Woods is arguably the greatest golfer of all time. At a mere 46, this living legend has many difficult decisions to make in the near future. If you read the articles about his physical recovery, potential retirement, or a lingering fade into the sunset, one thing is for sure – in true Tiger Woods fashion, nothing is off the table. The armchair analysts are throwing out all kinds of conspiracy theories hoping that one will stick to the wall. If they luckily foretell Woods’ future, they likely could cash that guess into a something substantial. Regardless, I think no one knows what the future of Tiger Woods is except for Tiger Woods. Having said that……
When dealing with a GOAT (greatest of all time) legend, it is impossible for anyone to predict their future play. We do know that he mentally is strong enough to compete on any professional golf tour, however the physical challenges of the ‘grind’ are likely outside of his capabilities at this time. Currently, PGA Tour member of Woods’ stature must play a minimum of 15 tournaments con be considered eligible to keep their PGA Tour card. Basically they must play on average two times a month (I excluded December to March because many of the worlds best recover during that time). This might not seem like much, however I would suggest that level of physicality required to compete at the elite level is more taxing than us mere mortals understand.
There lies the rub. I think that the PGA Tour would make an exemption rule for Tiger in order for them to continue to cash in on his star power. I can see the PGA Tour removing the required number of events for Tiger Woods and let him play as much as he physically can for the foreseeable future. Why would the PGA Tour turn away the greatest money maker of all time? Just let Tiger play when he can and see what happens.
On a side note, if Tiger decides he is going to retire from professional golf completely, do you think he should be nominated as an honorary starter at the Masters? Given his stature, I cannot see how they would not consider him. Thoughts?
It is impossible to forecast the future of Tiger Woods. Regardless of what he decides, I think the PGA Tour will make whatever concessions needed to keep him in the spotlight. From a business standpoint, the PGA would be crazy not to leave the door wide open. Woods is one of the greatest players of all time and given the current climate, keeping him in the limelight makes perfect sense.
I do wish Tiger Woods well on his continued recovery. He still has a way to travel and only he will determine his final destination.
I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!
The Grateful Golfer 
Jim, Since he passes the lifetime exemption (20 wins), I believe there is no 15 tournament minimum. Tiger can play whenever he wants. Also, too young for an honorary Masters starter. Can’t see him yet sitting with the 80-year olds with a Sam Snead fedora. 😊
Thanks,
Brian
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Brian,
I tried to see about the 15 minimum events for lifetime exemption, however all that means is that he does not have to qualify on the money list to keep his PGA card. It is something I will continue to research. I respect you view on the honorary starter for the Masters, however I think if he is not going to play competitively, they will want him in the mix somehow. We shall see how things unfold this year.
Cheers Jim
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Jim, I found this article which explains it the best. Basically, Tiger can play as many or as few as he wants BUT if he doesn’t play 15, he’ll lose his voting rights. Not sure if he cares about that. https://thegolfnewsnet.com/golfnewsnetteam/2018/07/29/pga-tour-lifetime-membership-it-wins-benefits-110355/
Thanks,
Brian
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Brian,
Perfect, thanks.
Cheers Jim
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Concessions have been made in the past to accommodate others so I see no reason why the PGA wouldn’t offer some to Tiger. That said, Tiger has already said no to the idea of at least one. No cart for him in tournament play. Not sure if he would take the offer of others either though he might for playing say Debai or a World Golf tourny. He’s a business man too after all and money might tempt him. He’s also a fighter. He may miss another season on tour, maybe even two but he’s on the road to recovery apparently and I wouldn’t count him out. That’s never been the smart bet.
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Kevin,
You are right. The only thing we can say for certain is that nothing is certain when it comes to Tiger Woods. He definitely is a business man and I am sure it will influence his decisions moving forward.
Cheers Jim
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Even Tiger Woods does not know at this point how much his body will allow him to play and he has already stated that.he will not seek to get a medical exemption to use a cart which in my opinion would be justified if he chose to exercise that option.
There is no need for the PGA tour to change their policy of 15 tournaments for him. If he is physically able to play, his wins in the majors entitle him to play and I don’t think he would have any trouble getting a sponsors exemption for any tournament in the world.
If he is able physically and believes he is capable of competing, I believe he will pick his spots very carefully. Unfortunately, I don’t see this working out well due to the seriousness of his injury and he is 46. I hope that I am wrong.
I have a feeling that he will try to play at St. Andrew’s if he can given that it is relatively flat and if it was to be his last tournament, what a way to finish an illustrious career.
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Lorne,
Tiger is great for golf. I am confident that all the powers to be will make whatever concessions needed to keep him in the limelight. I agree that Tiger will decided what is best for Tiger and we do not know what that will look like at this time.
Cheers Jim
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