Tiger Woods Could Make Surprise PGA Tour Comeback, Insider Predicts New Events on His Schedule

Golf icon Tiger Woods may be preparing for an unexpected PGA Tour return, according to longtime friend, former PGA pro, and Golf Channel analyst Notah Begay III. Speaking on the Straight Facts Homie! podcast with Trey Wingo, Begay revealed that Woods is not only aiming for a comeback, but could target two tournaments he has rarely played — or never played at all.

Insider Says Tiger Woods Could Return at Colonial or RBC Heritage

Begay, who has known Woods since childhood and remains one of the most trusted voices on Tiger’s inner circle, believes that physical limitations — particularly walking 72 holes — are the final obstacle to his return.
“He hits it great, he’s in tremendous physical condition,” Begay said. “His ball speeds are 175-180, which is adequate for the PGA Tour. The biggest problem is the walking.”
To match Woods’ current physical capacity, Begay named two flatter venues as the most likely options:
• Charles Schwab Challenge at Colonial
• RBC Heritage at Harbour Town
These events are surprising choices. Woods has:
• Played Colonial only once, and
• Never competed at Harbour Town
According to Begay, that could change soon:
“Those are venues that could accommodate his current physical condition… You may see him at some point.”

Tiger Woods’ Driving Motivation: PGA Tour Victory No. 83

Begay says Woods has one clear goal: win his 83rd PGA Tour title, breaking his tie with Sam Snead for the most wins in Tour history.
“In his heart-of-hearts, 83 is a big number. It’s an important number.”
While Woods has dealt with Achilles surgery and a recent disc-replacement procedure, Begay believes the pursuit of No. 83 is pushing him to return again.

Could Tiger Compete on PGA Tour Champions?

Woods has never ruled out playing the senior circuit, and Begay echoed what many golf fans and players have hoped for:
“We’re also dying to see him on the Champions Tour, where he can take a cart!”

A 40-Year Friendship: How Notah Begay and Tiger Woods Became ‘Pseudo-Brothers’

Begay also reflected on meeting Woods when they were just nine years old, describing how they quickly formed a lifelong bond.
Begay recalls hearing about a child prodigy beating older players “by 15 and 20 shots.” When he finally saw Tiger compete:
“Just the pizzazz and the energy… was really captivating, even at that age.”
Their families became intertwined as they traveled the junior circuit. Begay shared that Tiger’s father, Earl Woods, often took care of him when Begay’s family could not afford to travel.
“We became almost like pseudo-brothers and we carried that friendship into college.”
Begay concluded that witnessing Woods’ journey firsthand allows him to say with confidence:
“Nobody ever worked harder at the game than Tiger Woods. Which is why I consider him the best to ever play.”

Possible Tiger Woods Return Timeline

TournamentDatesNotes2026 RBC HeritageApril 16–19One week after Masters; flat layout2026 Charles Schwab ChallengeMay 28–31Colonial; played only once2026 MastersApril 9–12Always a possibility if healthy