Tiger Woods‘ future is always an interesting topic. After the accidents and injuries he faced, Woods managed to return to the golf course. Although some expected him to regain his old form, it’s difficult to expect a 48-year-old golfer with injury issues to shine brightly. His recent performances have been far from his former glory, but as we’ve mentioned, many factors have contributed to this.
Woods is known for frequently promoting the interests of the PGA Tour, supporting them, and being a key ambassador for the Tour. However, since the creation of LIV Golf, his voice has been even more apparent, along with that of Rory McIlroy. A large number of famous golfers have left the PGA Tour to join LIV Golf, causing frustration among PGA Tour executives and stars of this golf tour.
In those moments, Tiger Woods emphasized that it is shameful for individuals to leave the PGA Tour, considering that this Tour has provided them with everything in their careers and served as a stepping stone for stars. The 48-year-old golfer did not understand the decisions of individuals, frustrated because many turned their backs on this Tour.
Speculations that Woods could become part of LIV Golf were not particularly pronounced until recently. According to reports in the British media (EXPRESS), the American golfer received an offer of up to £572-654 million to join the Tour supported by Saudi Arabia. Reports indicate he received such an offer immediately after the creation of LIV Golf but decided to reject it.
LIV Golf is a tour that based its policy on money, engaging stars of the sport in this way. The leaders of LIV Golf created a clear plan for the future before making their big debut. The priority was to attract names that would generate profit, awaken interest, and create a desire among fans to watch the sport.
The intention was to target the best, and Tiger Woods was definitely the top name of this tour. His arrival would likely have had a huge impact on the PGA Tour and potentially led to huge problems. It was expected that many would follow in his footsteps and leave this Tour. Woods showed loyalty when it was most needed, and PGA Tour leaders recognized his loyalty and dedication.
Rory McIlroy was also a name that LIV Golf executives desired, but the biggest names of this Tour are indebted to the PGA Tour for everything it has enabled them to achieve. Both have been critics of LIV Golf, especially Rory, but now their positions are somewhat softer, considering that we could see a merger between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf in the near future.
Tiger Woods and his future
Given that Woods will turn 50 in two years, he will only have the opportunity to compete on the Champions Tour. There, he will face former golfing stars who are awaiting the opportunity to compete against him. It’s certain that Woods will elevate the quality of this competition and bring additional attention to the Champions Tour, which, quite expectedly, does not receive as much attention as standard PGA Tour events.
PGA Tour Champions officials are happy that Woods will be a part of this competition, eagerly awaiting the moment when Tiger appears there. A golfer with such a CV and career is welcome everywhere, including on the PGA Tour Champions. There, Woods will try to continue his career and win trophies. He is a man who always dreamed of the greatest goals, no matter where he performed.
There has been much talk about the possibility of the Champions Tour deciding on an age limit so that Woods could compete earlier. Officials of the competition know what he would bring with his arrival. Woods responded to these rumors, emphasizing that he is not yet ready for that. He highlighted his intention to follow in the footsteps of Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Bernhard Langer, and others. Before turning 50, he does not want to think about it.
Padraig Harrington on Tiger Woods and Champions Tour
Padraig Harrington, before another appearance on the Champions Tour, reflected on Tiger Woods, believing that Woods would like to be a part of the Champions Tour and win trophies. Harrington had the opportunity to meet with Woods. Although he didn’t want to reveal details of the conversation, Woods shared his intention to defeat Harrington when he competes in this tournament.
“He’d love to win that Grand Slam and get some of the other senior majors on his CV. I saw him at the course (during the PNC Championship in December) and we were just crossing paths and he laughed at me. I won’t say exactly what he said but the gist of it was he can’t wait to get out and beat me.”– Harrington said.