Multiple PGA Tour winner makes surprising Tiger Woods 2026 prediction

Multiple PGA Tour winner and former United States Ryder Cup captain Lanny Wadkins has suggested we could be seeing plenty of Tiger Woods on the golf course in 2026. 

Woods, who will be eligible for the senior circuit when he turns 50 in two days' time, has not played in an OWGR-accredited golf tournament since last summer's Open Championship at Royal Troon. 

Since his near-fatal car crash in February 2021, the golf legend has only played in eight major championships - missing five cuts and withdrawing from one. 

He has also undergone four additional surgeries, including procedures on his ankle and back, the most recent of which was performed in New York in late October. 

As is so often the case, Woods kept his cards close to his chest when asked earlier in the month at the Hero World Challenge how often we could see him on the course in 2026. 

Woods lamented the slow recovery and revealed he had no return date in mind, insisting he just wants to get back to playing the game again simply for personal joy. 

But Wadkins has told Golfweek that he believes Woods' schedule will include all four senior majors and plenty of tournaments on the PGA Tour Champions regular-season schedule. 

"For the most part, everybody who turns 50 goes and plays," Wadkins said. 

"Phil Mickelson did until he went to LIV, and Ernie Els has supported it, playing almost every week. We've got Hall of Famers all over the place out there.

"Let's not forget how many times Tiger won at Firestone (site of the Kaulig Companies Championship),” Wadkins said.

"He also won the Buick Open at Warwick Hills, where we now play the Ally Challenge, and he liked it there. 

"I'd be surprised if he didn’t play Newport (site of the Hoag Classic) since he grew up at Big Canyon, right across the street. 

"And I think he just signed a big deal and is wearing an Insperity logo on his shirt. If that's the case, he'll play the Insperity Invitational in Houston.

"So, take those alone and throw in the Senior Open, the U.S. Senior Open, and maybe the Senior PGA, and we might get Tiger 10 to 12 times. I really hope that's the case."

Wadkins said he believes there are two reasons why he believes Woods will want to keep going and delay his retirement. 

"Number one, he's still got competitive juices," Wadkins said. "Number two, I think he would really enjoy it

"And another thing — I judge this on me and my boys — I think Tiger's going to want to keep playing so he can compete with Charlie as he goes through college."

Wadkins is not the only senior golfer who has encouraged Woods to play on the PGA Tour Champions. 

In August, Ernie Els told the Palm Beach Post that he has held talks with Woods. 

The Big Easy even teased Woods, saying: "Beat us again... if you can."

Els, a winner of four majors, added: "I've said, please come play. And I think it can only be beneficial to him. 

"He will get himself in golf shape. You can ride a cart without any shame and if there was one guy that should be able to drive a cart, it's him. . . . And he can get his ass back in shape."

Tiger laments slow recovery process

Woods had disc replacement surgery in October after experiencing "pain and a lack of mobility" in his back. 

It was the seventh back surgery of his illustrious career and sparked fears that the end was here. 

Woods spoke to media for the first time since having the surgery at the Hero World Challenge, an annual event on the PGA Tour of which he serves as the tournament host. 

He appeared to be frustrated with the slow recovery process, adding: "It's not as fast as I'd like it to be. 

"It was a good thing to do, something I needed to happen, it just takes time and dedication to the rehab process.

"Unfortunately I've been through this rehab process before and it's step-by-step.

"It's been six weeks last Friday [since the operation] and it's been slow.

"You can't really do much with a disc replacement, now we have the OK to start cranking it up in the gym and start strengthening."

When asked why he was making another attempt at a comeback, Woods said it was down to his passion just to play. 

"I haven't done that in a long time and it's been a tough year," Woods added.

"I've had to sit on the sidelines for a number of months of this year and the end of last year.

"I'd like to come back to just playing golf again."