Former U.S. Open champ makes Tiger Woods claim: "What else is he going to do?!"

Former U.S. Open champion Geoff Ogilvy says he fully expects Tiger Woods to play PGA Tour Champions events once he turns 50 years old.

Ben Smith

25 Oct 2023

Former U.S. Open champ makes Tiger Woods claim:

Former U.S. Open champion Geoff Ogilvy has claimed he fully expects Tiger Woods to play on the senior tour.

Woods is still recovering from his latest surgery after hobbling out of the 47th Masters. But recent footage shows the 47-year-old making some tentative swings with a wedge alongside his teenage son Charlie as he attempts to mount another improbable comeback.

We are yet to see just how well his right ankle can sustain a full driver swing from the 15-time major champion.

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Woods recently confirmed the full field for the PGA Tour event he hosts annually in the Bahamas. Interestingly, he left one spot vacant suggesting he might tee it up at the Hero World Challenge.

In any event, Ogilvy believes Woods will more than likely play in PGA Tour Champions event in the future, aided by a golf cart.

Ogilvy told Golfweek in a recent Q&A:

"I've still got a few years [four to be exact] but I'm keen to play [on the senior tour]. I think the Champions Tour is on the verge of a resurgence. I fully expect Tiger to play. Taking a cart changes everything for him. Interest both from fans and sponsors is going to be through the roof. I think there's a good chance that Champions Tour ratings can top the PGA Tour when he decides to play. And what else is he going to?"

Woods has previously dismissed speculation he plans to retire anytime soon.

"No, no, no, no," he said after the 150th Open at St. Andrews in 2022. "I'm not retiring. But not playing a full schedule, that's just my reality. I don't like it, but I just have to accept it."

It has been speculated that he would never want to be a ceremonial golfer.

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In other words, unless he doesn't believe he can win then we will see Woods tee it up in majors and PGA Tour events until he physically can't.

Legendary golfer Jack Nicklaus previously hinted he had conversations with Woods about his future.

Speaking on Nick Faldo's podcast, the Golden Bear said: "Tiger actually can still hit the ball pretty well. But he can't walk. He can't walk. And I told him, 'Tiger, you're eligible to take a cart.' He says, 'I'm not going to do that.' He says, 'When I get to the senior tour, I will.'"

Woods will be eligible to play PGA Tour Champions events when he turns 50 years old.

Golf carts have been allowed on the circuit since 2006. They are not yet allowed in the senior majors.

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