Tiger Woods, 50, announced he will miss all of golf's major championships in 2026, including the Masters, U.S. Open, and British Open [1, 2]. Woods has not competed in any major tournament or competitive event since 2024 and last played a major round at the 2024 Open Championship, where he missed the cut [1, 2].
Despite being exempt to play in the British Open until age 60, Woods did not submit an entry for the 2026 tournament [1, 2]. He is also not eligible for the 2026 U.S. Open and will not compete there [1, 2].
Woods had considered returning for the 2026 Masters but withdrew those plans after a rollover car crash on March 27, 2026, linked to a suspected DUI arrest [1, 2]. Following the crash, he sought medical treatment and stepped back from his off-course golf duties, including roles on PGA Tour committees and Ryder Cup captaincy considerations [1, 2].
Woods’ recent physical setbacks add to a series of serious health issues. He suffered a car accident in 2021 injuring his lower leg, underwent seven back surgeries including a disk replacement in October (year unspecified), and torn his Achilles tendon just before the 2025 Masters [1, 2]. Despite these challenges, he has 15 major championship wins to his name [1, 2].
Since his 2021 crash, Woods has played in only eight majors, signaling a significant reduction in competitive appearances [2]. Meanwhile, fellow veteran Phil Mickelson, 55, has submitted an entry for the 2026 British Open, but his participation remains uncertain due to a family health situation and recent absences from LIV Golf events [1, 2].
Woods’s absence from major tournaments in 2026 marks a continued pause in his competitive career. The timeline of his medical treatments and the March 2026 car crash have led to his withdrawal from high-profile competitions and golf leadership roles.
