Tiger Woods has not played a traditional professional golf tournament in more than two years, but the possibility of seeing the 15-time major champion return to competition is gaining momentum. And this time, an encouraging update is coming from someone who could soon share the course with him.

Steven Alker, a two-time Charles Schwab Cup champion, believes Woods has a genuine interest in joining the PGA Tour Champions now that he is eligible for the senior circuit. Speaking with Golfweek’s Todd Kelly during a November 2 media session at Phoenix Country Club, Alker suggested that Woods’ potential arrival has become a topic of conversation among players.

“He wants to come out and play,” Alker said. That assessment is not confirmation that Tiger is preparing to compete, but it offers another reason for fans to remain hopeful. Woods turned 50 in December 2025, opening the door to a new chapter in his competitive career. Whether his body will allow him to take advantage of that opportunity remains the biggest question.

Why the PGA Tour Champions could appeal to Tiger Woods

For a player whose career has been shaped by repeated injuries and surgeries, those conditions are significant. Woods has not competed in a traditional tournament since missing the cut at the 2024 Open Championship. His return has been complicated by the physical demands of professional golf, leaving fans waiting for a clearer indication of when, or whether, he will be ready to play again.

The senior circuit could offer Woods a less demanding route back to tournament golf. PGA Tour Champions events generally are contested over 54 holes, compared with the standard 72-hole format on the PGA Tour. Some tournaments also permit players to use golf carts, potentially reducing the physical strain of walking an entire course.

That does not mean competing would be easy. Woods would still need to be healthy enough to withstand tournament conditions and play at a level that meets his own expectations. But a shorter schedule and different format could give him more flexibility than a return to the regular tour. Alker believes Woods might be particularly interested in events hosted by longtime friends Steve Stricker and Jim Furyk, as well as senior major championships.

The U.S. Senior Open.

One tournament could carry special historical significance: the U.S. Senior Open. Woods shares the record for the most USGA championship victories with Bobby Jones, with nine apiece. Another USGA title would give Woods sole possession of that mark. A victory at the U.S. Senior Open would be a remarkable addition to a career that already includes 15 major championships and 82 PGA Tour victories.

Of course, the possibility of chasing another record depends first on Woods being physically capable of competing. Alker’s comments reflect optimism, not a timetable. Alker is not the first prominent golfer to suggest that Woods has been considering the senior circuit. Ernie Els discussed the possibility during the summer, saying Woods had begun asking questions about the PGA Tour Champions.

Those conversations have fueled speculation that the senior tour could become an increasingly attractive option as Woods looks for ways to continue playing competitive golf. Still, neither Els nor Alker has announced a commitment on Woods’ behalf.

The distinction matters. Woods has repeatedly faced setbacks during his recovery, and he has been careful about making promises regarding his return. His competitive future will ultimately depend on his health, preparation and willingness to take on the demands of tournament golf. TGL offers another possible comeback route

The PGA Tour Champions is not the only avenue available to Woods. He also has a potential path back through TGL, the simulator-based golf league he co-founded with Rory McIlroy.