Tiger Woods is recovering from a seventh back surgery and has just begun chipping and putting, with no announced date for returning to competition.

He will miss this year’s PNC Championship with Charlie and the early part of the new TGL season, but plans to attend every Jupiter Links match and could play later in the season if progress allows.

Woods has been cleared to chip and putt after the Oct. 10 surgery and will skip several upcoming events during rehab, including the Hero World Challenge.

There is ongoing discussion among Woods and tour officials about delivering a stronger product for fans, with potential shifts in event counts and structure.

Flesch notes Woods’ presence could disrupt traditional booking patterns, with possible appearances in mid-sized markets and smaller events if he chooses to play.

Rolapp emphasizes maintaining a strong middle class in sport to sustain a long-term tour, warning against a star-dominated model.

The tour aims for balance beyond stars to ensure sustainable participation across platforms.

Woods reflects on his legacy—82 PGA Tour titles, 15 majors, and holding all four majors at once—and views leadership as a way to shape golf for future generations.

He is eligible for PGA Tour Champions next season and may use a cart if he plays, joking about the possibility of competing in as many as 25 events across two tours.

Woods chairs the Future Competitions Committee and, with CEO Brian Rolapp, is driving major reform of the PGA Tour toward a model debuting in 2027.

Off the course, he is actively reshaping the schedule and tournament lineup with the aim of boosting fan and player appeal amid LIV Golf tensions.

Reform principles center on parity, simplicity and scarcity, including fewer tournaments and smaller fields, raising concerns about opportunities for non-top players.