Who can stop Tiger Woods? Well, Tom Pernice Jr. thinks Brian Rolapp has the power to do so. The big cat is out of commission due to the 7th lower-back surgery he had a couple of months ago. Since then, Woods has been on the road to recovery, as he will take anywhere between three to six months to get back into shape. By then, he will be 50 years old and ready to make a move to the Champions Tour. But Pernice thinks that Rolapp won’t let that happen.

Golfweek’s Adam Schupak shared his interview with the golf legend. Pernice told Schupak that he & his peers will welcome Woods “if the Tour wants him to play out here. Does the Tour want Tiger to stay over there (on the PGA Tour) as opposed to play over here? That is the question.” As per Pernice, even if Woods becomes eligible to play in the Champions Tour, Rolapp might not want him to make a move there.

Considering how popular he is in golf, the big cat can still draw a huge audience every time he plays an event. And if he makes a move to the Senior Tour, then the fans will be divided between watching him in action as opposed to catching PGA Tour events. That can be a risky move for Rolapp & Co., which is looking to grow the product. Hence, the new CEO might now allow Woods to make a move to the Champions Tour just yet. Schupak also revealed what Billy Andrade had to say about the situation.

“What’s the buy-in for a PGA Tour event that nobody is going to watch the minute Tiger Woods shows up to play a Champions Tour event? That’s what I think they are worried about.” Andrade also believes that once Woods moves to the Champions Tour, the PGA Tour’s TV ratings will be hugely affected. But Lucas Glover also mentioned that it will be highly beneficial for Woods to make the move, as the Seniors Tour has struggled with fan support.

That being said, Brian Rolapp could have afforded to have Tiger Woods move to the Champions Tour a few years ago. But it’s critical for him to draw the fans and viewership into the PGA Tour at the moment. And there is one big reason behind that.

Top Stories

Justin Rose & More Show Respect as Veteran Golfer Breaks Down After Reclaiming Tour Card

Kai Trump Applies Lesson Taught by Tiger Woods After Struggling at LPGA Debut

Authorities Arrest Teen After Bizarre Act Causes $160K in Damage at Florida Golf Course

Nelly Korda Sends Kai Trump a Strong Message After Her LPGA Exemption Caused Controversy

Adam Hadwin Breaks Silence on Career Struggles as He Battles to Keep His PGA Tour Card

Why is it critical for Brian Rolapp to convince Tiger Woods to stay back on the PGA Tour right now?

A few years ago, the PGA Tour didn’t face any serious threats from any other leagues. However, 2026 will be a critical point in the professional golf landscape if LIV Golf ends up getting sanctioned by the OWGR. As Paul McGinley told Ben Parsons of Bunkered, they could turn into a legitimate threat for the PGA Tour. And their rise after achieving official status will change the perception of the league. That could draw the attention away from the PGA Tour.

And if Tiger Woods ends up joining the Champions Tour, then he will draw further attention away from Brian Rolapp’s Tour. That would make it difficult for Rory McIlroy & Scottie Scheffler to continuously battle for TV ratings every event they participate in. And if any tournament doesn’t feature those big names, then it would be easier for the Champions Tour & LIV Golf to gain the attention of the crowd during those weeks. It’s a risky game to allow Tiger Woods to represent the Senior Tour in 2026.