“I had forgotten that Tiger Woods the golfer is still even potentially a thing,” said Samuel Riggs. As absurd as these words sound, since March this year, it has pretty much been the reality. After an agonizing Achilles tendon rupture, Tiger Woods has been sitting out on the greens. However, at Woods’ charity event, the Nexus Cup, fans saw the golf legend swinging again. Notably, Woods looked injury-free, hinting at a much-anticipated return. Amid rising speculation, golf insider Riggs shared his opinion of what that future might look like for Tiger Woods.

In an episode of the Fore Play Podcast Plus, host Samuel Riggs went from skeptical to excited in one swing. Riggs believed he might never see Woods competing professionally again. However, when Woods takes the clubs, he proves exactly what makes him the best. “I almost get in my head that the only Tiger Woods I’m going to see again, and when I do see him, is going to be in like a wheelchair. And then when he takes a golf swing like that, I’m like, ‘Oh [__], Tiger Woods could still like play golf,'” Samuel Riggs remarked.

Despite his age and multiple injuries over the years, the 49-year-old continues to amaze the golfing world. Taking to the practice grounds at Liberty National Golf Club, Woods struck a clean swing that left jaws hanging. It was part of the evening game show at the Nexus Cup, where Woods, alongside Steph Curry, took on Will Zalatoris and Ben Griffin in a match. Turns out, the Nexus Cup served as the comeback grounds for many injured golfers. However, even though Woods’ hitting shots at New York does not confirm his return, Riggs noted that his surgeries were hopeful rather than discouraging.

“If he’s having a surgery that means he’s going to be like better equipped from a physical standpoint to play now than he was like a year ago — and that’s great news,” the host added. He is convinced fans will soon get to see more of Tiger Woods on golf television. Especially with him turning 50 this December, Woods would be eligible to start his next chapter in golf at the Champions Tour. That has the golf world reeling already. But that might not be the only event where we get to see Tiger swinging. “Maybe he’ll play a little Champions Tour stuff after he turns 50. Fine. But like I know that, that [__] is still going to play in the Masters,” Barstool added with conviction.

But the big question is: does Tiger Woods still have what it takes to compete at the majors? Riggs is under no confusion on that: “Tom Watson almost won the Open Championship in 2009 when he was 59 years old. Phil was 50, 51 when he won that PGA. And I know Tiger’s not as healthy as those guys from a full-body standpoint. Guess what? Those guys also aren’t Tiger [__] Woods.” Rightly so, Tiger is inarguably one of the best golfers the world has ever produced. Even at this age, Woods still flaunts his precision and power.

“That to me looks like a man who is still going to try to play golf,” Riggs added, talking of the swing. He admitted he might be getting a bit ahead of himself with the predictions on Woods’ golf. But the swing had its charm. Woods looked calm and in control as he swung the club in a massive putt, launching the ball close to the hole. Even fans chimed in as one commented, “He’s winning another major.” But Riggs couldn’t resist drawing yet another comparison with Sam Snead, who has 82 PGA Tour wins, similar to Woods: “No disrespect to Mr. Snead, but the Tiger record is significantly more impressive. He’s got the 15 majors. He’s got the whole deal.”

However, Tiger Woods’ return to the golf course is still awaiting official confirmation. His latest appearance at his own charity event makes his return all the more plausible. But speculation about his schedule still lingers. Some sources hint at the Hero World Challenge hosted by Woods himself. Others argue over his Champions Tour debut.

Tiger Woods’ name is circulating on the Champions Tour circuit

With his 50th birthday approaching, Tiger Woods would soon be eligible for the senior golf circuit. And the golf veterans expressed their thrill at playing against the golfing legend. 4-time major champion Ernie Els directly challenged Woods in a lighthearted comment: “Beat us again… if you can.” Talking about Woods’ ankle injury, Els quipped, “He will get himself in golf shape. You can ride a cart without any shame and if there was one guy that should be able to drive a cart, it’s him. And he can get his a** back in shape.” 

Not long after Els’ remarks, Padraig Harrington added that Tiger himself has hinted at joining the senior ranks. Reflecting on a recent encounter, Harrington revealed: “I met Tiger recently and he said he was looking forward to coming out onto the Champions Tour. So he has an intention of playing. I think his words were, ‘I can’t wait to beat you out on the Champions Tour,’ or something like that.” 

Even 68-year-old Bernhard Langer expressed his thrill over Woods’ potential Champions Tour debut, even though he might not have a chance at playing together himself. Apparently, Woods is soon making a return, and fans can expect him on the senior golf circuit.