Overview
- Woods has set no timetable after an Oct. 10 lumbar disc replacement and he is not playing his Hero World Challenge or currently listed for the PNC Championship.
- Longtime friend Notah Begay III says walking 72 holes is the key hurdle, noting Woods’ ball speed remains PGA Tour‑ready at roughly 175–180 mph.
- Begay suggested Hilton Head (RBC Heritage) and Colonial (Charles Schwab Challenge) as potential targets due to flatter terrain, framing them as possibilities rather than plans.
- Woods turns 50 on Dec. 30, making him eligible for the cart‑permitted PGA Tour Champions in 2026; tour president Miller Brady says events have prepared for his potential arrival, and Davis Love III hopes to see him at the Hawaii opener.
- Begay believes pursuit of a record 83rd PGA Tour win still motivates Woods, while Jim Furyk cautioned that any major captaincy role would demand full commitment and careful timing.