Is Tiger Woods Playing In The 2025 Masters? April Fool’s Joke Teases Early Return

Tiger Woods teased golf fans from around the world with a post on X indicating that he was medically cleared to return to the course in time for the 2025 Masters next week. Of course, the post turned out to be a cruel April Fool’s joke for unsuspecting fans. Six minutes later, Woods clarified, “P.S. April Fools my Achilles is still a mess” before finishing the message with a smiley face to indicate that the original post was good fun.

Is Tiger Woods Playing In The 2025 Masters?

No, Tiger Woods will not be playing in the 2025 Masters. It would be physically impossible for Woods to compete for a green jacket given the current state of his Achilles. 

The injury typically keeps athletes immobilized for the first 3-4 weeks following surgery with a gradual return to activity in 4-6 months. 

Most athletes cannot fully return to competition for one year following the injury, and at age 49, Woods’ career as a PGA Tour golfer could be in jeopardy.

Woods faces an uphill battle to resume his golf career but has consistently performed his best with his back against the wall, so it wouldn’t be wise to count out the greatest golfer of all-time.

Tiger Woods Plays April Fool’s Joke On Fans Ahead Of The Masters

I can’t believe I am saying this, but a few weeks after rupturing my left Achilles, the sleeping in a hyperbaric chamber plus the explosive lifts my doctors and trainers have me ready to play the Masters next week! Can’t wait! See y’all on the course.

— Tiger Woods (@TigerWoods) April 1, 2025

Woods is just three weeks removed from a successful surgery to pair a torn Achilles that will likely keep him out of competition for at least a year and could potentially end his PGA Tour career.

Dr. Charlton Stucken of the Hospital for Special Surgery in West Palm Beach, Florida, released a statement following the procedure: “The surgery went smoothly, and we expect a full recovery.”

Woods last played in a PGA Tour event when he missed the cut at The Open in July 2024. 

P.S. April Fools my Achilles is still a mess 🙂 https://t.co/H1Y1AOgn2v

— Tiger Woods (@TigerWoods) April 1, 2025

When Will Tiger Woods Return To Competitive Golf?

Woods’ Achilles surgery was performed in mid-March. It takes roughly one year for athletes to return to competition, putting Woods in line for a potential return to Augusta National in time for the 2026 Masters tournament.

 When healthy, Woods remains a force to be reckoned with and his previous comebacks from multiple knee and back surgeries exemplify his undying resilience and determination. Woods has always had a unique ability to defy the odds and his 2019 Masters victory was a testament to that.

While 2025 may be out of reach, fans will eagerly await updates on his progress. 

If anyone can overcome the challenges of an Achilles injury at this stage in his career, it’s Tiger Woods.