Tiger Woods banned from Players Championship due to little-known rule

The legendary Tiger Woods has been banned from participating in the Players Championship due to a little-known rule.

This week, the 2026 Players Championship will take place at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.

Rory McIlroy heads into the tournament as the defending champion, after he beat JJ Spaun in a play-off last year.

Meanwhile, the likes of Scottie Scheffler, Tommy Fleetwood, Collin Morikawa, Xander Schauffele, Akshay Bhatia and Justin Rose will be looking to clinch the title.

However, there will be no space for Woods, who is currently recovering from back surgery, with no confirmed return date.

But even if he were fit, Woods would have been ineligible for this year's Players Championship.

As per The Mirror, Woods does not meet the entry requirements for the tournament at TPC Sawgrass.

It has been claimed that players must have at least one PGA Tour victory between last year and this year's tournament and at least one major title in the last five years.

Woods last won a major back in 2019 when he clinched victory at the Masters.

Tiger Woods is recovering from back surgery. Image: Getty

Speaking about Woods' absence, Fleetwood said: "Is Tiger not eligible for this event... That's unbelievable. I would love Tiger Woods to play. I can't believe he's not eligible. How bad is Tiger Woods at golf?

"No, no, I am actually very surprised. I didn't realise. You know, I wasn't really sure what criteria goes into this tournament, but like, yeah, if Tiger Woods wants to play anywhere in the world I think, yeah, I think Tiger Woods should be able to play."

Meanwhile, Justin Thomas said: "I mean, I'm always going to be for him playing. I think for the betterment of golf and the tournament, I don't think there's anybody that would be against it. I guess unless somebody that isn't qualified, I'm sure they would like to play too.

"But I guess we'll cross that bridge if we get there."

Woods had previously stated that the aim would be to make a return at the Masters in April.

When questioned whether he will be at the Augusta National Golf Club, Woods said: "I don't know.

"Whether it's a regular tour, a senior tour, or a member-guest, I don't know."