Why Tiger Woods was banned from Players Championship was due to little-known rule
Tiger Woods Ruled Out of 2026 Players Championship
The 2026 Players Championship will take place this week at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. Defending champion Rory McIlroy returns after defeating J. J. Spaun in a playoff last year.
Several top golfers will compete for the title, including Scottie Scheffler, Tommy Fleetwood, Collin Morikawa, Xander Schauffele, Akshay Bhatia and Justin Rose.
However, legendary golfer Tiger Woods will not participate in the tournament. He continues to recover from back surgery and has not confirmed a return date.
Entry Rules Keep Woods Out
Even if Woods were fit, he still would not qualify for this year’s Players Championship. Tournament rules require players to have at least one PGA Tour victory between last year and this year’s event. Players must also have won a major championship within the last five years.
Woods last won a major in 2019 when he captured the Masters Tournament. Because of that timeline, he does not meet the current eligibility requirements for the event at TPC Sawgrass.
Players React to Woods’ Absence
Fleetwood expressed surprise at the rule that keeps Woods out of the tournament.
“Is Tiger not eligible for this event? That’s unbelievable. I would love Tiger Woods to play. I can’t believe he’s not eligible,” Fleetwood said.
He added that Woods should have the chance to play anywhere in the world if he wants.
Thomas also voiced support for Woods’ participation.
“I’m always going to be for him playing. For the betterment of golf and the tournament, I don’t think anybody would be against it,” Thomas said.
Possible Return at Augusta
Woods previously said he hopes to return at the Masters Tournament in April at Augusta National Golf Club.
When reporters asked if he would compete there, Woods responded cautiously.
“I don’t know. Whether it’s a regular tour, a senior tour, or a member-guest, I don’t know.”
TGL League Continues to Grow
Woods remains active in the indoor golf league TGL. He helped create the league through TMRW Sports alongside sports executive Mike McCarley and McIlroy in partnership with the PGA Tour.
TGL features simulated indoor golf competitions and continues to attract many of the sport’s biggest names.
Kim Delivers Stunning Hole-in-One
During a recent TGL match, Jupiter Links—featuring Woods, Tom Kim, Max Homa and Kevin Kisner—faced Bay Golf Club, led by Ludvig Åberg and Shane Lowry.
Jupiter Links trailed 6–5 on the penultimate hole. Kim needed something special to keep his team’s playoff hopes alive.
The 23-year-old calmly delivered. He struck a smooth wedge shot that flew past the flag, spun back and rolled straight into the hole for a hole-in-one.
Before hitting the shot, Kim activated “The Hammer,” which doubled the hole’s value. The dramatic moment marked only the second hole-in-one in TGL history.
Woods and his teammates erupted in celebration as soon as the ball dropped. Woods hugged Kim and pumped his fist in the air.
After the match, Woods described the moment as the “best indoor experience ever.”
Jupiter Links Advance to Playoffs
Kim’s incredible shot secured victory for Jupiter Links. The team will now face McIlroy’s Boston Common in the TGL playoffs.
Woods continues to recover from a ruptured left Achilles tendon he suffered in March 2025. Because of that injury, he is unlikely to compete in the playoff match. Still, he has promised to attend and support his team.
