Tiger Woods issues emotional Masters return update after comeback loss

Tiger Woods says he is still 'trying' to be fit in time to play in The Masters next month - but has conceded that time may not be on his side.

Woods made his comeback to golf in Tomorrow's Golf League (TGL), representing Jupiter Links GC alongside team-mates Tom Kim and Max Homa.

The 50-year-old had last played in TGL in February 2025, having since suffered an Achilles tendon tear and undergone disc replacement surgery in his back.

Woods' comeback didn't end in victory, however, as Jupiter Links were thrashed 9-2 by Los Angeles GC in what was a must-win game.

Woods missed a putt from a four feet at the seventh hole, and smashed his putter against the indoor turf in frustration.

Woods had struggles on the green but did nail a 316-yard stinger on the sixth, while he showed off some clever approach shots.

But there is, of course, a big difference between playing in a competitive indoor golf league and the prospect of at least 36 holes around Augusta National.

Speaking afterwards, he spoke of his desire to line up among the field at The Masters, which gets underway on April 8.

"It [his body] doesn't recover like it did when it was 24, 25," he said. "It doesn't mean I'm not trying.

"I've been trying for a while. I've had a couple of bad injuries here over the past years that I've had to fight through, and it's taken some time.

"I keep trying. I want to play. I love the tournament - I've loved being there since I was 19 years old. It's meant a lot to me and my family over the years.

Here's Tiger Woods on whether he's going to play in the Masters.

"I've been trying. This body just doesn't recover like it was when it was 24, 25.

"I want to play. I love the tournament. I love being there since when I was 19 years old.

"I'm going to be there either way." pic.twitter.com/baZWMkhMP0

— Cameron Jourdan (@Cam_Jourdan) March 25, 2026

"I'm going to be there either way with The Loop that's going up there, as well as the Champions Dinner.

"We'll see how it goes. I'll be practicing, playing at home this week, and keep trying to make progress."

Woods was unable to attend last year's traditional Champions Dinner, hosted by 2024 Masters champion Scottie Scheffler, after an Achilles tendon tear prevented him from walking up the stairs to the venue in Augusta.

This year's Champions Dinner will be hosted for the first time by Rory McIlroy, who became the sixth golfer in history to complete the sport's Career Slam by winning at Augusta in 2025.