Report: Tiger Woods given direct message by Players Championship director

The executive director of the Players Championship has implored Tiger Woods to consider adding the unofficial fifth major to his 2025 schedule.

Aside from taking part in TGL, Woods is yet to get his season truly up and running. 

Woods also underwent his sixth career back surgery last September and therefore it appeared likely the 15-time major champion would once again play a limited schedule. 

But the 49-year-old declared during the Genesis Invitational that he really does hope to play a lot more 'bigger events' in 2025. 

He did not commit to next week's Congizant Classic in The Palm Beaches but there are still a few more events that he could theoretically take part in before The Masters in April. 

The Arnold Palmer Invitational over 6-9 March stands out, given Woods has won eight times at Bay Hill. 

And there is also The Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass over 13-16 March. 

Lee Smith, executive director of The Players, told talkSPORT this week he would love to have Woods involved. 

"His presence at any event elevates the global awareness of even the most premier championship," he told the publication. 

"And to see him walk these fairways again would be incredible for our fans, partners and even his fellow players.

"As we’ve seen with TGL, just getting some glimpses into his greatness and shot-making ability for a brief moment here and there brings the internet to a halt, so to have that experience for a week at The Players would be an amazing moment for our game."

Woods has a strong history at TPC Sawgrass. 

He has won the unofficial fifth major twice (2001, 2013) and posted five other top-five finishes. 

From 19 appearances, Woods has made the cut on 17 occasions. 

His most memorable moment, likely, came when he holed out on the 17th island green, prompting NBC commentator Gary Koch to declare: "Better than most!"

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