Tiger Woods, the tournament host of the Hero World Challenge, expressed uncertainty about his future as a player and the ongoing negotiations between the PGA Tour and the Saudi backers of LIV Golf. Woods, who is still recovering from back surgery, admitted he is not yet tournament-ready to compete against the world's best players.
Aside from his playing status, Woods is heavily involved in PGA Tour business matters. He serves on the PGA Tour board and the board of PGA Tour Enterprises, where negotiations are underway for the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia to potentially invest in the enterprise.
While progress has been slower than anticipated, Woods highlighted the fluid nature of the negotiations and the need for Justice Department approval for any potential deal. The European tour is also reportedly in discussions with the Saudi backers, hinting at a possible shared schedule between the tours.
Looking ahead, Woods reflected on 2024 as a challenging year due to his back issues, which limited his tournament appearances. He underwent a microdiscectomy in September to address his leg pain and is focused on rehabilitating and strengthening for the upcoming year.
As for his playing schedule in 2025, Woods remains uncertain but is hopeful for a stronger and healthier season. He acknowledged the need to improve his physical condition to perform better in major championships and expressed a desire to build upon the progress made through his recent procedure.
Despite the setbacks of 2024, Woods remains optimistic about his future in golf and is committed to regaining his form to compete at the highest level once again.
