Tiger Woods: Will he ever return to professional golf?

On the eve of the year’s final major – and more than nine years since his last major win – Tiger Woods’s absence is still felt throughout the golf world. Will he ever be able to come back?

Tiger Woods has been struggling for the past couple of years, to say the least. In the last 3 years, he has only had one top-ten finish and 11 withdrawals or missed cuts. He hasn’t played in a competitive tournament since his withdrawal in Dubai in February 2017.

Golf just hasn’t been the same without Woods on the course. Earlier this summer, Woods was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence. He told police that alcohol was not a factor. Thankfully, that turned out to be completely true. However, Woods did end up admitting that he had a problem with managing his pain medications, prescribed following numerous injuries and surgeries.

In early June, he tweeted letting his followers know he was getting professional help for his medications.

The arrest was another blow to Woods’ hopes to make a return to the PGA Tour. It’s hard for Woods now to come back and have the confidence that he used to have.

Jack Nicklaus on Woods’ Return

Before the Quicken Loans National hosted by Woods Foundation, Tiger released a statement saying that would would not play at the event.

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18-time major winner Jack Nicklaus was asked about Woods and told USA Today,

"He’ll have a very hard time. I don’t know whether Tiger will play much golf anymore."

Nicklaus suggested that if Woods doesn’t continue to play competitively that he should use his talents to help young golfers in the country and help grow the game.

Tiger Woods has reassured his fans many times that he is progressing well through Twitter. In June, he told Golf Digest,

"My numbers are good off the tee, the was one of the things I was worried about, losing distance, and I haven’t done that, I’ve actually gained a bit, which is positive."

After Woods’ arrest, he went rogue on social media but posted this tweet of himself diving a couple days ago which could be a reassuring for Woods fans.

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Tiger Woods will miss the season’s final major this week at Quail Hollow. His last major victory came at the U.S. Open in 2008 when he beat Rocco Mediate on a broken leg. When will he be back? No one knows for sure, but golf sure isn’t the same without Woods on the course.