3 golf stars, including Tiger Woods, targeting injury return in 2026

The 2025 golf season has wrapped up across all major tours, with the PGA Tour finishing in mid-November and LIV Golf concluding its year with the Individual Championship in Indianapolis. While several players enjoyed breakthrough years, others were forced to step away due to injury and they are now targeting a return in 2026.

As the new season approaches, a few high-profile names are expected to start late as they continue their recovery. Tiger Woods is among those sidelined with other notable players also working toward a return in 2026.

Three golfers eyeing injury return in 2026

Here are the three golfers who will play in 2026

1. Tiger Woods

Tiger Woods remains out of competition as he recovers from his seventh back surgery, a disc replacement performed in October 2025. His recovery has been slow with Woods currently limited to chipping and putting while focusing on rebuilding strength. No PGA Tour return date has been confirmed.

The 49-year-old last competed at The Open in July 2024, where he missed the cut. Although he hosted the Hero World Challenge this year he did not play. Woods continues to manage long-term issues from his 2021 car accident, along with a ruptured Achilles earlier in 2025.

Woods will turn 50 next year making him eligible for the PGA Tour Champions in 2026. While he has not committed to playing on the senior tour, the shorter format and use of carts could suit his physical condition. For now his focus remains solely on recovery.

2. Justin Thomas

PGA: Ryder Cup - Final Day - Source: Imagn

Justin Thomas had a strong 2025 season before injury interrupted his schedule. He played 21 events, made 19 cuts and won the RBC Heritage, ending his title drought that dated back to 2022. Thomas also posted three runner-up finishes and eight top-10 results.

In November, Thomas underwent microdiscectomy surgery to address a disc issue. His last competitive appearance came at September’s Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black after which he stepped away to focus on treatment.

The two-time major champion has since shared that his rehabilitation is progressing steadily, but he has confirmed he will miss the start of the 2026 season. He previously said he expects to sit out a couple of events while completing his recovery.

3. Bubba Watson

Bubba Watson is also working toward a return after undergoing minor surgery on his left hand in October. The captain of the RangeGoats announced at the time that he would be sidelined for at least eight weeks but described the procedure as a short-term setback.

The 46-year-old, a 12-time PGA Tour winner is expected to return in time for the start of the 2026 LIV Golf season in February. Watson should have enough recovery time to prepare for the early LIV schedule and build toward the Masters in April.

Edited by Sonali Verma