Tiger Woods Eyes Golf Return After Driving Range Masterclass
Tiger Woods has sent the golf world into a frenzy with new footage of him hitting balls on the driving range, declaring he can 'hit any shot I want to again'. This comes as the 15-time major champion prepares for a public appearance at his foundation's Nexus Cup charity event on Monday, September 28, 2026.
The clearest sign of progress comes from recent video showing a healthy-looking Woods on the range. He looks better than at any point since his 2021 car crash, a significant development given his seventh back surgery in October 2025. His last professional round was at the 2024 Open Championship, making any physical activity newsworthy. Woods himself fueled speculation with his confident statement about his shot-making. While not a tournament commitment, this public practice session is the strongest hint yet that a return to competition is being seriously considered.
Woods is expected to appear at the annual Tiger Woods Foundation Nexus Cup at Liberty National Golf Club in New York. The event is scheduled for Monday, September 28. He typically conducts a clinic for attendees, potentially hitting golf balls in a non-competitive setting. For fans who have seen little of him since his surgery, this offers a rare chance to see the former world No. 1 in action. His foundation continues to be a major part of his golf legacy, balancing his philanthropic work with his ongoing recovery.
With the Presidents Cup underway, old stories about Woods's leadership are resurfacing. PGA Tour pro Kevin Kisner shared a memorable anecdote from the 2017 event on the 'Fore Play' podcast. Kisner recalled that with the U.S. Team one point from victory on Saturday, Woods instructed his teammates to concede a final putt to the International side. "Tiger made us give them a putt on the last hole on Saturday night, so it wasn't over," Kisner said. Woods wanted to create drama for Sunday's television broadcast, telling his team, "We gotta play either way. We might as well have something to play for." Kisner joked about wanting to go out in New York instead, to which Woods replied, "Shut up, Kis."
Woods's role in the sport's future is secure as the chairman of the PGA Tour's Future Competitions Committee. There had been previous speculation about him joining the PGA Tour Champions circuit before his March 2026 car accident. His current focus appears split between his administrative duties, his charity work, and the grueling process of getting his body ready to play again. Each small step, like a driving range session, is analyzed for clues about a potential timeline for his return to tournament golf.
- Key Takeaways:
- New driving range footage shows Tiger Woods looking healthy and claiming he can hit any shot.
- He is scheduled to appear at his Nexus Cup charity event at Liberty National on Monday, September 28.
- A story from the 2017 Presidents Cup highlights his sharp competitive instincts and team leadership.
- His last competitive round was the 2024 Open, following his seventh back surgery in late 2025.
Kevin Kisner's story reminds us that even when not playing, Tiger Woods remains a defining figure in golf. His next move, whether at a charity clinic or eventually back on tour, will command global attention. For now, the 15-time major champion is giving fans reasons to hope.