Tiger Woods has spent much of the past two years watching from the sidelines, but the prospect of another comeback is gathering momentum after a new competition schedule offered the clearest indication yet of when he could return.

The 50-year-old has been absent from traditional professional golf tournaments since missing the cut at the 2024 Open Championship, with repeated injury problems and a difficult period away from the course interrupting his attempts to resume his career.

His only competitive appearance in 2026 came during the TGL Finals in March, when Jupiter Links Golf Club suffered defeat against Los Angeles Golf Club. Now, those same teams will meet again on December 27, potentially providing Woods with his first appearance in nine months.

The match will take place at the SoFi Center in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, beginning at 3pm ET and televised nationally on ABC. ESPN reports that Woods is expected to feature, although his participation hasn't been officially confirmed.

Woods has also been seen practising at Monterey Peninsula Country Club and Liberty National in recent weeks, offering encouragement that his physical condition is improving after another back operation.

The strongest indication of Woods' intentions has come from Kevin Kisner, who recently lost his place on the Jupiter Links roster following the arrival of Keith Mitchell.

Kisner explained during an appearance on Barstool Sports' Fore Play podcast that Woods' desire to compete more regularly influenced the team's decision to make changes.

"Well, obviously, I'm not on the team anymore. I had a two-year contract with Jupiter Links and then they, Tiger wants to play. Then they wanted to sign Keith Mitchell, which is totally fine with me," Kisner said.

The former teammate also revealed that Woods' longtime associate Rob McNamara had contacted him about the changes, indicating that the 15-time major winner wants to participate throughout the upcoming campaign.

That ambition represents a significant development after injuries limited Woods to just one TGL appearance last season. He remains part of a five-man roster alongside Mitchell, Max Homa, Tom Kim and Akshay Bhatia.

Tiger Woods could return before Christmas

December 27 may be the most obvious comeback opportunity, but Woods has two earlier tournaments potentially available if his recovery continues without complications.

The Hero World Challenge, which he hosts in the Bahamas, runs from December 3 to 6, while the PNC Championship in Orlando takes place on December 19 and 20.

The latter could offer Woods another opportunity to compete alongside his son Charlie, although neither appearance has been confirmed.

His absence has extended beyond physical setbacks, with Woods also dealing with the consequences of a March driving incident in Florida that resulted in a five-year driving suspension following a plea agreement.

TGL's indoor format would offer a less physically demanding return than a conventional PGA Tour event, where players must walk the course over several consecutive days.

The question is no longer simply whether Woods intends to compete again. With his team preparing for another season and his former teammate revealing plans for a fuller schedule, attention has shifted toward whether his body will allow him to follow through.