Tiger Woods has indicated that he is nearing a return to professional golf, suggesting he could compete as early as December.
Woods has not played in a PGA Tour event since missing the cut at The Open in 2024. His absence has been attributed to a series of injuries and legal issues, including a ruptured Achilles tendon, a seventh back surgery, and a DUI arrest earlier this year. He pleaded no contest to reckless driving charges and agreed to a five-year driving ban.
Following a stint in a rehabilitation facility, Woods has been ramping up his practice. He was recently seen hitting balls at Monterey Peninsula Country Club and Liberty National.
Initially, Woods was expected to make his comeback with the TGL season, which begins on December 27. However, he told Sirius XM PGA Tour Radio that he plans to attend the Hero World Challenge, a tournament he hosts in the Bahamas that starts on December 3. "I will be at Hero [World Challenge]. I'm there either way, so I'll see you there!" Woods stated, adding that he is "feeling better" and has been training.
Woods is not currently listed among the 17 announced players for the Hero World Challenge, which features a 20-player field, but three exemption spots remain available.
Should he not compete at the Hero World Challenge, other potential return events include the PNC Championship in Orlando from December 17-20, where he could play alongside his son Charlie, or the TGL season opener on December 27 with Jupiter Links GC.