Tiger Woods underwent his seventh back surgery in October 2025. It was a lumbar disc replacement at the L4/L5 level that aimed to relieve pain and improve mobility. This procedure follows a ruptured Achilles tendon surgery earlier in 2025. The surgeries represent significant challenges given his age and history of injuries. Amidst all these injuries, fans have been waiting to see a proper comeback of the 82x PGA Tour winner for many years now. But a quiet hint from someone close to Tiger Woods has sparked fresh talk about where he might tee it up once he feels ready to compete again.

Notah Begay III is a former teammate of Tiger Woods. The two played together at Stanford University and share a close bond of friendship. Since they know each other very well, Begay III has given his thoughts on Woods’ return many times. And he did it again, this time giving a hint of where the 15x major winner may play in 2026.

“I think there’s a couple of venues that, you know, I think could accommodate his current physical condition,” Notah Begay III told Trey Wingo. “So, I think that a major championship venue with flatter terrain, Hilton Head with flatter terrain, Colonial with flatter terrain, I think might be targets that, and those are two venues that he’s typically never really played at. He played Colonial once and never went back. And I don’t think he’s ever been to Hilton Head. So, I think those are two things that you may see at some point.”

Woods has only played in the RBC Heritage once in 1999. Back then, the tournament was called the MCI Classic. He carded rounds of 70-70-69-71 to finish T18. He did leave a lasting impression, though. His bunker shot on Harbour Town’s 6th hole is one of the most impressive strokes anyone has had in the history of the game. He has also played in one Colonial event in 1997. At the MasterCard Colonial, he finished T4 with rounds of 64-64-67-68.

Both these courses are on flat terrain, which can remove the biggest obstacle preventing Tiger Woods from playing professional events. Notah Begay III said that he has had many conversations with Tiger Woods. And from what he has gathered, walking the 72 holes is the biggest issue he faces.

“He hits it great. He’s in a tremendous physical condition. His ball speeds are fast enough. They’re 175 to 180, which is just adequate for the PGA tour. It’s just can he walk 72 holes plus a prom? I don’t know. And that’s kind of the big question,” Begay III said.

An incident where he was facing difficulty walking the course was at The Masters 2023. He struggled visibly with walking because of plantar fasciitis in his right foot. He limped noticeably during the third round before withdrawing from the event. “I am disappointed to have to WD this morning due to reaggravating my plantar fasciitis,” Woods wrote on his X handle about the withdrawal.

Notah Begay III also revealed why Tiger Woods may continue to play to get his hands on one more PGA Tour title. “I think that in his heart of hearts, 83 is a big number. It’s an important number,” Begay III told. The number is important because Tiger Woods is currently tied with Sam Snead for the highest number of PGA Tour wins by any golfer. If he gets one more win, he will surpass Snead and become the solo leader in terms of most wins on the tour.

Amidst all these, Begay III also hinted that everyone wants to see Tiger Woods play on the senior circuit. It becomes even more convenient for the 15x major winner because senior circuit golfers can use carts to navigate the course.

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Tiger Woods and the PGA Tour Champions

Tiger Woods will become eligible to play on the PGA Tour Champions next year. He will turn 50 on December 30, 2025. Golf carts on this tour will ease the walking burden. In fact, the senior circuit president, Miller Brady, said that they are preparing for Woods’ arrival. “The answer is yes, we’re ready. We’re well prepared,” Brady said. “We’ve done some whiteboarding over the past year in preparation for Tiger turning 50, and if and when he plays, our tournaments will be prepared.”

Tour officials and players acknowledge that Woods’ joining the PGA Tour Champions could have a transformative impact on the tour. Tom Pernice Jr. said that it could be like his rookie season all over again. But this time, it would be on the senior circuit. However, there are also concerns about whether the PGA Tour will let him play there. “That’s if the Tour wants him to play out here,” Pernice said. “Does the Tour want Tiger to stay over there (on the PGA Tour) as opposed to playing over here? That is the question.”

Tiger Woods is a big name. If he joins the senior circuit, his presence could give a significant boost to the tour. However, if he goes to the PGA Tour Champions, it could further decline the fan engagement with the PGA Tour. This might make the PGA Tour decide otherwise and not let the 82x PGA Tour winner play on the senior circuit.

Tiger Woods’ path back to competition remains uncertain. But as Notah Begay III hints, he could still play with some selective stops in mind. On the other hand, he could join the PGA Tour Champions, too. Whatever direction he chooses, his next move will carry weight for both his legacy and the tours hoping to have him.