Golf legend Jack Nicklaus predicts Tiger Woods "domination" when he returns in 2026
Jack Nicklaus is confident Tiger Woods will "dominate" the PGA Tour Champions when he more than likely joins the circuit in 2026.
Jack Nicklaus believes Tiger Woods could very well end up "dominating" the PGA Tour Champions when the injured golf legend returns to the game in 2026.
Nicklaus, 85, made his feelings known about Woods, 49, at the honorary starters press conference at The Masters on Thursday.
Woods is unfortunately absent from golf's first major of the season at famed Augusta National this week.
That's because the five-time Masters champion underwent surgery for a ruptured achilles tendon last month.
It has consequently forced him out for the rest of the PGA Tour season.
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Woods may end up playing in the end of year PNC Championship alongside his son Charlie Woods just before Christmas, but much will depend on his recovery, which is expected to take some time.
The 15-time major champion last month confirmed he had a new girlfriend, Vanessa Trump, the ex-wife of Donald Trump Jr.
But back to the top of the story, and golf legend Nicklaus, winner of a record 18 major titles and a record six Masters, is adamant fellow golf legend Woods will return to the game and clean up when he joins the PGA Tour Champions.
Woods turns 50 on 30 December, and so he will be eligible to compete on the over 50s circuit in 2026.
"Tiger is hurt but I think Tiger will get well and Tiger will be back and play," said Nicklaus after getting the 89th edition of The Masters underway on Thursday.
Nicklaus added: "Tiger will be 50 next year. I believe he'll probably play the Senior Tour and I believe he'll probably dominate the Senior Tour.
"Tiger is too much of a competitor to not play. I don't believe he will not play. I believe he will play. I don't think Tiger will play for money. He doesn't need money. Tiger will play for competition. He loves competition, and he's very good at it, obviously.
"Tiger has had his issues, and he's overcome most all of them each time he's had them. I fully expect him to do that again."
Another reason why the likes of Nicklaus and other golf critics consider Woods will take up membership of the PGA Tour Champions in 2026 is because he will be allowed to ride in a golf cart during their tournaments.
All he will need is a doctor's note, and golf carts are not permitted on the PGA Tour.
Prior to undergoing surgery for a ruptured achilles last month, Woods underwent the sixth back surgery of his career. Before that, Woods was recovering from surgery on his leg and ankle following his horror car crash in Los Angeles in February 2021. Woods was lucky to have just survived that crash.
Although Woods is not taking part at The Masters this week - nor did he rock up at the annual Masters Champions Dinner on Tuesday - he did make a special announcement in collaboration with Augusta National - WATCH HERE
Keep up to speed with live scores and updates from The Masters
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