What’s Next for Tiger Woods?

Author: Jack Guing, Last Updated: 09.01.2025

Tiger Woods is one of the most recognisable athletes in the world, with the 15 time major winner being the face of golf since the late 90’s when he burst on the scene. He dominated the sport from 1997-2008 winning 14 majors in this time period. He struggled with back injuries in the years that followed but did add to his major tally in 2019 winning the Masters title, completing one of the most epic injury comebacks in all of sport.

As Woods approaches his 50’s (recently turning 49) injuries continue to plague him and affect his golf game, leaving fans wondering if they will ever see Woods reach the heights he once did, or be as competitive as he once was. 2024 was a struggle for Woods and he looked in pain any time he teed it up on the golf course, even with his limited schedule. Woods will hope his time off will help his recovery as he enters an exciting 2025 season.

Injury Struggles

Tiger Woods’ battles with injuries are well documented. His problems began over a decade ago with recurring back injuries keeping him out on a number of occasions, and requiring multiple surgeries. His comeback in 2018 and major win in 2019 was magnificent as a result of his back injury, with many unsure if he would play again. A car accident in 2021 left Woods with severe leg injuries, requiring emergency surgery and extensive rehabilitation.

In 2022 Woods made his return at Masters and has competed sparingly since then, struggling with his mobility and often looking in pain while playing, which has resulted in some withdrawals from tournaments. In 2023 and 2024 he had undergone more procedures to help alleviate pain in his foot and ankle. Injuries have not been kind to Tiger Woods and they are hindering him from playing golf at the high level he wants. He still believes he can perform at a high level which is why he continues but it is clear he is putting his body through immense pain.

What to Expect from Woods in 2025?

One thing that you should definitely expect from Woods this season is selective tournament play, which we have seen him do in recent years. It is clear that Woods’s full time playing days are behind him, and he will focus on the big events. He will most certainly play in all 4 major championships if fit having been victorious 5 times at the Masters, 4 times at the PGA Championship, 3 times at the US Open and 3 times at the Open Championship.

Regarding the majors, Woods may participate in select signature events and is likely to receive invitations to any event he wishes to join. This year is a Ryder Cup year but barring victories, Tiger Woods will unlikely be competing for Team USA. He might be named a vice captain, as Captain Keegan Bradley seeks active players for the role, having already appointed Webb Simpson as one of his vice captains.

Tiger Woods is expected to captain a Ryder Cup team in the future. It's anticipated that he might lead the team for the 2027 Ryder Cup at Adare Manor, County Limerick, given his close friendship with the estate owner, JP McManus.

Tiger Woods's legacy in golf is well-established, and the current season will not alter his enduring impact on the sport. It will be difficult for Woods to achieve the heights he once did, with many young players ready to take on the baton as the dominant name in the sport. Woods will be remembered as one of the greatest, if not the greatest, golfers in history.

Even if he faces challenges in 2025, this will not alter public perception of his legacy. He will continue to draw massive crowds to any tournament he plays, even if he is not in contention to win tournaments. This year will not only test Woods’s physical limitations with his injury struggles but will also test his ability to adapt and compete with the next generation.

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