Tiger Woods made his return to competitive golf on Tuesday, March 24, at the TGL Finals in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. The 15-time major champion, who had undergone back surgery in October 2025, played for Jupiter Links GC in a best-of-three series against Los Angeles Golf Club. Woods' team lost 9-2, but his presence marked a significant moment in his recovery from injury.
Before the match, Woods received a call from NBA superstar Stephen Curry, who reminded him of a motivational conversation they had in 2015. Curry encouraged Woods to 'prove it' on his return, echoing the advice Woods had given him during his own championship run. Woods acknowledged the support, stating, 'I love it,' after hearing Curry's message.
Woods' girlfriend, Vanessa Trump, and her daughter Kai Trump were in the stands to cheer him on. The couple shared a public display of affection before the game, with Vanessa hugging and kissing Woods. Kai, an aspiring golfer committed to the University of Miami, also attended the event. Despite the loss, Woods expressed gratitude for the opportunity to compete again, saying, 'It feels good to be back, but I'd have liked it to be in better circumstances.'
The golf legend has not played in a full PGA Tour event since the 2024 Open Championship. He underwent back surgery before participating in TGL in early 2025. When asked about his plans for The Masters, Woods indicated he was still uncertain about competing but confirmed he would attend the tournament, either as a player or in a supporting role. He emphasized the physical challenges of recovering from injuries at his age, stating, 'My body doesn’t recover like it did when I was 24.'
Woods' return to golf has sparked discussions about his future in the sport, particularly regarding his participation in major tournaments. While some fans hope for a full comeback, others acknowledge the physical toll of his injuries. His presence at the TGL Finals, however, signals a step toward returning to competitive play.