Tiger Woods provided limited insights on the ongoing negotiations between the PGA Tour and the Saudi backers of LIV Golf, as well as his own playing future, during a press conference on Tuesday. As the tournament host for the Hero World Challenge, which takes place this week at Albany Golf Club in the Bahamas, Woods is not competing this year due to recovery from a sixth back surgery. He last participated in this holiday tournament in 2019.
“I’m not tournament sharp yet, no. I’m still not there,” Woods admitted. He went on to express that the Hero World Challenge features 20 of the world’s top golfers, and he does not feel prepared enough to compete at that level right now. “When I’m ready to compete and play at this level, then I will,” he added.
In addition to his role as tournament host, Woods has dedicated much of his time to various business matters concerning the PGA Tour. He joined the PGA Tour board a year ago and has no set term limits. Woods is also involved with PGA Tour Enterprises. Recent developments have indicated progress in negotiations regarding the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF) becoming a minority stakeholder in PGA Tour Enterprises. The Tour is currently backed by a $1.5 billion investment from Strategic Sports Group and is implementing a player equity program. PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan recently participated in the Dunhill Links Championship alongside Yasir Al-Rumayyan, the governor of PIF.
Woods noted that he and others involved in these discussions anticipated a quicker resolution. “I think all of us who have been a part of this process would have thought it would have happened quicker than this,” he remarked. He hinted that any potential agreement would also need approval from the Justice Department. However, Woods maintained that discussions are ongoing and evolving. “Things are very fluid, we’re still working through it; it’s happening daily,” he stated. “From a policy board standpoint or from an enterprise standpoint, things are moving and they’re constructive.”
Meanwhile, Bloomberg reported that the European Tour has been engaging in separate talks with the PIF. This has raised the possibility of a combined schedule allowing players to compete on both the European Tour and LIV Golf. “We all want to get past this and to do what’s best for the tour,” Woods commented. He acknowledged that this process may not be smooth and “some eggs are going to be knocked over,” but he remains optimistic about the potential improvements for fans and players alike.
Woods was also uncertain about his own competitive future. While he declined to disclose his plans regarding the PNC Championship, where he usually plays with his son, Charlie, he did reflect on the challenges he faced throughout 2024 due to his persistent back pain. He considered the year largely a setback after experiencing spasms as the season progressed. Woods aimed to compete in major tournaments monthly but faced difficulties, evident when he missed The Players Championship and only managed to compete in three majors, all leading to early exits.
Following a microdiscectomy in September aimed at relieving his leg pain, Woods is uncertain about his participation in tournaments in 2025. “Whether my commitment going forward is once a month, yeah, I could say that all over again,” he acknowledged. “But I truly don’t know.” His current focus is on rehabilitation and building physical strength. “This year, I had to toss it away,” he reflected, recognizing that not playing enough leading into major championships affected his performance. “Hopefully next year will be better. I’ll be physically stronger and better,” he added. Woods is optimistic that his recent procedure will aid his recovery and enable him to return to competitive play more effectively.