Tiger Woods’s incredible journey on and off the course is set to hit the big screen. Amazon MGM Studios has secured the film rights to The Tiger Slam, Kevin Cook’s captivating biography of the golf legend, bringing his riveting story to life. What makes this project even more exciting?
Moreover, the Obamas are reportedly negotiating to produce the film through their production company, Higher Ground. The talented Reinaldo Marcus Green, known for his work on the tennis biopic King Richard, is being eyed to direct. The Tiger Slam, released in December 2024, dives deep into Woods’s awe-inspiring streak of victories. It also gives fans an inside look at his relentless pursuit of perfection.
Yet, Tiger Woods’s 2025 has been heartbreaking, filled with setbacks that no one could have predicted. After undergoing lower back surgery the previous year, Woods was hopeful about making his long-awaited return to the PGA Tour at the 2024 Hero World Challenge. Unfortunately, his recovery took longer than expected.
As 2025 rolled around, hopes were high for Woods’s comeback at the Genesis Invitational. But life had other plans. Woods suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon, one of the worst injuries an athlete could get.
Notably, Rex Hoggard and Ryan Lavner recently discussed Tiger Woods’s ongoing struggles and uncertain future on the Golf Podcast. Hoggard opened the conversation by acknowledging that many hoped to see Woods return to the game at the 2024 Genesis Invitational.
However, he revealed that, after the loss of his mother, it was clear Woods would need more time. “You sit around, and you wait for him, and I kind of knew he wasn’t going to play this week after his mother died,” Hoggard said. “He didn’t play at the Genesis Invitational, but everything seemed to be angling towards the Masters.”
While it was a tough period for the golf icon, Hoggard noted there’s always a sense of hope that Woods might return to action, particularly at the Masters. Still, as time passed by, Woods spent it on the sidelines. “There was always a level of curiosity,” Hoggard said, referring to conversations he had about Woods’s potential return. In a moment of clarity, Hoggard recalled a conversation with a colleague more familiar with Woods’ inner circle.
“I reached out to someone in his camp,” Hoggard said. “My question was, ‘Hey, just so I’m not out of bounds here, like, is the Masters pretty much out of the question?’ And the response was, ‘Buddy, this is a year’s recovery, and maybe it’s less.’”
According to Hoggard, Woods’ recovery process will probably take at least six to nine months.
“I went online afterward, and from what I found, it’s a six to nine-month recovery. He could start walking in about three months or, I’m sorry, a month,” he said. Still, he noted Woods was no stranger to rehabbing injuries. “He certainly knows how to wade through rehab,” Hoggard added. Hoggard then reflected on how this latest setback weighed heavily on Woods, not just physically but mentally, too.
He recalled how Woods had previously dealt with a long list of injuries, from a mangled right foot to a fused ankle after the 2021 car accident. But now, with his Achilles injury, things were even more complicated. “Look, if you’re putting more weight on your right foot to make compensations, that’s going to have some ramifications as well,” Hoggard explained. “The left side is bad for a golfer.” As the conversation progressed, Hoggard acknowledged the impact this injury could have on Woods’s future, especially as he approaches his 50th birthday in 2026.
“Tiger Woods is going to be entering his age-50 season in 2026. Transferring your weight into your left side, which is going to be rebuilt with the Achilles, is a very tricky injury,” Hoggard said.
“It’s a lengthy recovery, and it’s just not looking good for him.” While Hoggard didn’t suggest that Woods would give up on his career, he did express concerns that Woods’ path back to competitive golf may be increasingly difficult. “It increases the probability of life on the PGA Tour Champions, with the aid of a cart,” he concluded.
As it turns out, they are not the only ones who believe this. Even Rory McIlroy said he has less hope of seeing Tiger Woods play right now.
Rory McIlroy confesses about Tiger Woods not being back before 2026
Rory McIlroy has shared his belief that Tiger Woods is unlikely to return to competitive golf until 2026 following his latest injury setback. The 15-time major winner recently revealed he had undergone surgery for a ruptured Achilles tendon while preparing for a potential comeback at April’s Masters.
“It sucks,” McIlroy said when reacting to the news ahead of the Players Championship at Sawgrass.
“He doesn’t have much luck when it comes to injuries and his body. Obviously, he was trying to ramp up to get ready for Augusta, and Achilles surgeries aren’t fun. Hoping he’s in good spirits and doing okay.”
McIlroy continued, “We obviously won’t see him play this year, and hopefully, we’ll see him maybe play in 2026.” When asked if Woods could still be competitive upon his return, McIlroy added, “He’ll try. I know he’ll try. But that’s a question for him, not for me. I don’t know what’s in his head. But judging by prior behavior, he’ll definitely try.”
This timeline aligns with the views of physiotherapist Sammy Margo, who spoke with the PA news agency about Woods’ recovery. According to Margo, Woods will probably face a long rehabilitation process, with a return to professional competition taking anywhere from six to nine months. Full recovery, she noted, could take up to a year. “This isn’t a minor sprain, this is a serious breakage,” Margo said.
Woods has defied expectations before, especially after a near-fatal car accident four years ago that left him fighting to save his right leg. However, in recent years, he’s struggled to maintain even a limited playing schedule, with just one finish of 72 holes out of five events in 2024. As Tiger Woods navigates this challenging setback, golf fans worldwide will hope for his eventual return to the game that has defined his legendary career. While the road to recovery may be long, Woods’ determination is as unyielding as ever.
What are your thoughts on Woods’ return? Do you think he will make another competitive comeback in 2026? Let us know in the comments below.
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