Tiger Woods has until 5:00 p.m. Eastern on Friday to commit to The Players Championship or just forget about that particular tournament — maybe forever.
This marks the last year of his exemption into the PGA Tour's flagship event from his victory at the 2019 Masters and also the final year before he turns 50 and ages up to PGA Tour Champions. So, what would keep him from teeing it up at TPC Sawgrass next week?
There are several things in the way.
First of all, Woods is still mourning his mother’s recent death. The two were very close, just as he was to his father, Earl, who died in 2006.
His mother, Kultida Woods, died on February 4th of this year. Mrs. Woods, who many called “Tida” for short, is the one who suggested that Tiger wear red, saying it was his power color. The woman knew her stuff.
Woods made the announcement of her death on X.
It is with heartfelt sadness that I want to share that my dear mother, Kultida Woods, passed away early this morning. My Mom was a force of nature all her own, her spirit was simply undeniable. She was quick with the needle and a laugh. She was my biggest fan, greatest supporter,… pic.twitter.com/RoKd0fsM9J
— Tiger Woods (@TigerWoods) February 4, 2025
However, Tiger has been known to rise to the occasion with victories, and no one knows what he is thinking or feeling. Loss has a way of interrupting thoughts at inopportune times, but it can also spur people to new heights.
Mrs. Woods, of course, drove Tiger to many practice sessions and tournaments when he was young. She was a constant spectator when he played important amateur events. It was no different when he became a professional. She was a stalwart in the gallery and was treated to many thrilling golf moments.
While that is the biggest hurdle Tiger may have to overcome in his yes-or-no decision on The Players, it is not the only one.
Tiger Woods could skip The Players for several reasons
First, there is the state of Tiger's game. The only golf we know he’s played recently is in TGL, and he admitted earlier this week that he hasn't been practicing much.
Then, there are his children’s activities. He’s been at some of his daughter Sam’s soccer matches, including the recent Florida state championship in the Class 2A division.
Charlie Woods, the other golfer in the family, may be playing at the Junior Invitational at Sage Valley Golf Club in Graniteville, S.C., March 19-22. That is the week following The Players, so it’s possible it works with Tiger’s schedule.
And finally, there’s always the chance that participating in The Players could result in another injury or back tweak.
Woods won’t want to sacrifice the chance to play in The Masters because he elected to participate at Sawgrass. While the course is flat, an easy walk by golf standards, it is a brain drain. Every shot has to be in the right place or at least somewhere close to the right place for him, or anyone, to win. The penalty for an error is severe.
Now, if Woods skips The Players this year, he could have one other shot to play it after turning 50. Assuming he doesn't win on the PGA Tour or one of the majors, he would have to win the Kaulig Companies Championship, which is basically the Senior Players. A victory in that event, which is held at Firestone Country Club in Akron, where he has won eight times, would earn him a spot in The Players the following March.
We are eagerly waiting for his decision. Set your watches and alerts now!