Kevin Kisner believes Tiger Woods will play in the 2027 Masters. This prediction could mark a shift in how the tour views Woods’ future after two years away. Woods has not professionally competed since the 2024 Open Championship due to back surgery and a slow recovery, according to Yahoo Sports. Kisner suggests the April 8-11, 2027 tournament at Augusta National is the target for a return. Fans are already dreaming of seeing the 2019 champion on those fairways again.
The timeline for a return depends on two late-year events. Woods hosts the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas from December 3-6. The PNC Championship follows on December 19-20, where he usually plays with his son Charlie. Neither event is confirmed. His health remains the only factor that decides if he tees up this year. If he plays in December, the path to Augusta becomes much clearer for fans and analysts alike.
The LIV Golf Exit Shifts the Field
While Woods eyes a return, other stars are leaving the breakaway league. Graeme McDowell announced on Monday that he will not pursue the new LIV 2.0 plan. The 2010 U.S. Open winner thanked the league for his four years there but is moving on.
McDowell joined LIV Golf in 2022 and played for several teams. His departure adds pressure on a league trying to survive after the Saudi Public Investment Fund cut funding. The league filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and now plans a 10-event schedule for 2027 with new investors.
BBC Sport reported that McDowell held “really positive” talks about returning to the DP World Tour for the 2027 season. He has 11 wins on that tour and four on the PGA Tour. However, the DP World Tour stated it will not grant membership to LIV players in 2027. This creates a tricky spot for experienced players like McDowell who want to get back to the main tour.
Critics Want the Rebel League Gone
Some former pros think the league should shut down completely. Craig Perks, the 2002 Players Championship winner, made his view clear in a recent interview. Perks sees the split as a personal fight by Greg Norman rather than a true business move.
Perks characterized the scenario as a personal vendetta by Greg Norman. Reports noted that Norman tried a similar idea in 1994 but was blocked by the PGA Tour then. Perks also criticized the lack of real rivalry in the breakaway group.
The league faces a hard road ahead despite new backing. London-based BC Partners Credit is set to inject $300 million to fund a revamped model. This money supports fewer tournaments and lower prize pools. The goal is a relaunch in 2027, but many players have already walked away.
What the Numbers Say About a Return
A Woods comeback would be a massive story for the sport. His 2019 win at Augusta remains one of the greatest comebacks in history. He won that title after four back surgeries and years of pain. A return to that same stage in 2027 would draw huge attention even if he is not the favorite to win. The indoor TGL league has also announced him for the Jupiter Links Golf Club roster, showing he is still active in the game.
Golf fans are watching closely to see if he plays in December. The Hero World Challenge, PNC Championship, and TGL are the only real tests before the Masters. If he clears those hurdles, the April 8-11 dates at Augusta become a reality.