Senior Tour chiefs say they’re ready for Tiger Woods’ debut

With Tiger Woods on the verge of qualifying as a PGA Tour champion, many are wondering whether he will try his hand at the Senior Tour. While Woods’ recent back surgery makes his debut on the senior tour in 2026 less likely, it’s still a possibility.

The tour president said the PGA Tour Champions is “fully prepared” for Tiger’s debut given the possibility.

Here’s what you need to know.

Tiger Woods turns 50, eligible for PGA Tour Champions

Woods began dominating professional golf at the age of 20 and won his first Masters title in 1997 at the age of 21.

But Tiger’s story begins on December 30, 1975, in Cypress, California. That means Woods is only two months away from his 50th birthday on December 30 this year.

The PGA Tour Champions (formerly known as the Champions Tour) is open to professional golfers age 50 and older. After Dec. 30, given Tiger’s career, he can play in any PGA Tour Championship of Champions he wants (outside of the playoffs).

Whether he will do so is another question. He was encouraged to do so by many of the PGA Tour greats who would later play in the PGA Tour Champions.

Ernie Els says playing in the PGA Tour Champions “can only be good for Tiger.” Bernhard Langer and Jack Nicklaus predicted he would eventually play with the upperclassmen. Paul Azinger even suggested that Woods may have felt “obligated” to play with the over-50 crowd.

Tiger has remained largely silent about his Senior Tour prospects, and earlier this month Woods announced he had undergone disc replacement surgery in his back, casting doubt on his ability to return to any kind of competitive golf in 2026.

But if he decides to make the unlikely decision of playing in the PGA Tour Champions next year, the tour is ready to welcome him and the fans and interest that will come with it.

We know that thanks to PGA Tour Champions Commissioner Miller Brady, who discussed the preparations underway this week on the Golf Channel.

PGA Tour Champions’ year-long preparation for Tigers debut

This week, the PGA Tour Champions announced its full schedule for the 2026 season. Among the total 25 regular season events, there are two brand new events. Overall, players will compete for a $69 million prize pool.

Brady joined Golf Channel host Damon Harker on Tuesday to discuss the upcoming season. Brady admitted he wasn’t surprised when Huck’s first question addressed the possibility of Woods playing in one of the events next year.

Ultimately, Hack asked, if Woods tees off, will the PGA Tour champion be ready for the onslaught?

Brady answered in the affirmative and revealed that preparations for the Tigers’ debut have been underway for a year.

“The answer is yes, we’re ready. We’re fully prepared,” Brady said of Woods’ potential debut on Golf Channel. “We’ve done a little bit of a clean slate over the past year to prepare for Tiger’s 50th birthday and if he plays, our game will be ready.”

Brady also detailed some of the specific preparations Woods will have to consider when he shows up this season.

“There will be more. You mentioned — security, buses, porches, concession stands — all of those things will be taken into account as we prepare. [Woods playing],” he said.

As for whether Tiger will debut this year or ever, Brady has no interest in speculating. Instead, he expressed hope that Woods would be healthy enough to play golf again anywhere after his latest surgery.

“Honestly,” Brady said, “given the last surgery, I just hope Tiger can get back on his feet and be able to play golf again.”

You can watch Brady’s entire appearance on the Golf Channel here.

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