At 49, it’s been a full six years since he last participated in the event, leaving him with only a few chances to play before the Masters in April.
After his 2019 Masters victory, Tiger Woods earned a five-year exemption to enter the Players Championship—a privilege in the PGA Tour’s premier event that he ultimately did not use.
Unless there’s a shift in the qualification rules or he makes an unexpected comeback later this year, it seems Woods may have competed in the Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass for the final time, having missed the entry deadline for next week’s tournament.
Woods, who last competed in this tournament six years ago, securing a 30th-place tie just weeks before the Masters, was anticipated to participate in at least one event prior to this year’s first major tournament.
Following a missed opportunity at the British Open in July, Woods underwent a sixth back surgery in September. He returned for the PNC Championship with his son in December, where he walked 54 holes, including the pro-am, and appeared to be in relatively good form despite his physical challenges.
He had planned to play in the Genesis Invitational, recently relocated to Torrey Pines because of wildfires in Southern California, but withdrew just before the event commenced last month.
The Players would have been a logical choice considering his involvement with the PGA Tour’s policy board and its timing relative to the Masters, with three additional weeks of tournaments in between.
However, after his TGL match on Tuesday, Woods hinted that he was unlikely to participate. He shared that he had only picked up a golf club three times since his mother, Kultida, passed away on February 4, admitting that his mind had been elsewhere and that he wasn’t really focused on practicing.
Woods mentioned, “Right now, my heart isn’t really in practicing. I’ve been occupied with other responsibilities involving the Tour and various activities. Once I feel a bit better and more engaged, I’ll start reviewing the schedule.”
His exemption was extended by a year when the tournament was not held in 2020.
Despite his eagerness to play more, it now seems likely that Woods’ first appearance might be at the Masters, where last year he ended up last among the qualifying players.
It’s possible that Woods might participate in the Valspar Championship the week following the Players. He finished second there in his only appearance in 2018. If he skips it, he will head to Augusta National without having played an official round since the previous July.
The $25 million Players Championship remains one of the few tournaments Woods cannot simply enter. As a lifetime member of the PGA Tour, he can participate in any regular event and would easily secure sponsor invites.
The Tour has even created a special category for him in Signature events to ensure his participation doesn’t take a spot from other players. Over the last two years, the only Signature event he has played is the Genesis, which is managed by his foundation.
As a past champion, Woods is eligible to compete in the Masters, PGA Championship, and the Open until he turns 60. His five-year Masters exemption has expired for the U.S. Open, which he has won three times. Last year, the USGA extended him a special invite to play at Pinehurst, and he would likely need another this year for Oakmont.
This would almost certainly happen, as it marks the 25th anniversary of Woods’ remarkable 15-shot victory at the 2002 U.S. Open at Pebble Beach.
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