Tiger Woods is set to miss all four major golf championships in 2026 after failing to enter The Open Championship, effectively ruling him out of the final major tournament of the season.
The 15-time major winner has not competed professionally since 2024 and continues to battle ongoing health and personal challenges that have kept him away from the sport. Woods, who had an exemption to play at The Open despite his long absence, did not submit his entry before the deadline, confirming another major setback in his legendary career.
Injury Struggles Continue
Woods’ career has been heavily impacted by injuries over the past several years, including complications from multiple back surgeries and the serious car crash he suffered in 2021. The former world number one has struggled to regain full fitness and has played only a limited schedule in recent seasons.
Earlier this year, Woods had expressed hope of returning for the Masters Tournament, but those plans were disrupted following a rollover crash near his Florida home in March 2026. Reports stated that the incident led him to step away from golf and focus on rehabilitation and recovery.
Focus Shifts to Recovery
The 50-year-old golfer has reportedly been undergoing specialised rehabilitation treatment in Switzerland while also managing long-term physical pain and recovery issues. Woods recently returned briefly to the United States before travelling back to Europe to continue treatment.
In a statement released earlier this year, Woods said he intended to prioritise his health and personal well-being over competitive golf. His absence means he will miss all four majors for the second consecutive year, raising further uncertainty about whether fans will see him return to elite competition again.
Golf World Reacts to Prolonged Absence
Woods remains one of the most influential figures in golf history, with 82 PGA Tour victories and 15 major championships to his name. His remarkable comeback victory at the 2019 Masters remains one of the sport’s most iconic moments.
Despite his continued absence, Woods still holds exemptions for future editions of The Open Championship and the Masters. However, questions surrounding his fitness and long-term future in professional golf continue to grow as the sport moves forward without one of its biggest global icons.
