Tiger Woods will he win again at a major?

Tiger Woods will he win again at one of the four majors in golf as he continues to chase Jake Nicklaus’ record of major title wins in golf history? Let’s take a look.

Tiger Woods, a name synonymous with golfing greatness, has captivated the world with his unparalleled skill, resilience, and record-breaking achievements. Born Eldrick Tont Woods on December 30, 1975, in Cypress, California, he has won 15 major championships, trailing only Jack Nicklaus’s 18. His last major victory came at the 2019 Masters, a triumphant return after years of injuries and personal challenges. Now, at 49 years old as of June 26, 2025, the question looms: Will Tiger Woods win again at a major? This article explores his storied career, current physical condition, competitive landscape, and expert opinions to assess the likelihood of another major triumph, grounded in facts and insights available as of 2:10 PM CEST on this date.

The Golden Era: A Legacy of Dominance

Tiger Woods burst onto the professional golf scene in 1996, turning pro at age 20 after a stellar amateur career that included three consecutive U.S. Junior Amateur titles. His first major win came at the 1997 Masters, where he shattered records with a 12-stroke victory, becoming the youngest champion at 21. Over the next two decades, Woods redefined the sport, amassing 82 PGA Tour wins, second only to Sam Snead’s 82, and holding the world number one ranking for a cumulative 683 weeks.

His major tally includes four Masters (1997, 2001, 2002, 2019), three U.S. Opens (2000, 2002, 2008), three Open Championships (2000, 2005, 2006), and five PGAs (1999, 2000, 2006, 2007, 2008). The 2000-2001 season marked a historic “Tiger Slam,” where he held all four major titles simultaneously, though not in the same calendar year. His peak dominance saw him win 27% of tournaments entered between 1999 and 2009, a statistic unmatched in modern golf.

However, injuries began to take their toll. A 2008 knee surgery, followed by a 2009 Achilles injury and a 2011 back procedure, marked the start of a challenging phase. His personal life, including a highly publicized 2009 scandal, added pressure, yet Woods staged a remarkable comeback, culminating in the 2019 Masters win at age 43—his first major in 11 years.

Table 1: Tiger Woods’ Major Championship Wins

The Injury Saga: A Body Tested by Time

Woods’ pursuit of Nicklaus’s record has been hampered by physical setbacks. The most severe came on February 23, 2021, when a car accident in Los Angeles resulted in multiple leg injuries, including a shattered tibia and fibula, requiring surgical rods and screws. Doctors initially doubted his return to competitive golf, yet Woods competed in the 2022 PGA Championship, finishing 47th, and made the cut at the 2023 Masters, finishing 43rd.

His back, a chronic issue since 2014, has undergone five surgeries, including a 2017 spinal fusion that preceded his 2019 Masters win. As of June 2025, Woods plays a limited schedule—about six to eight events annually—due to pain management and recovery needs. His 2024 season saw him miss the cut at the Masters and U.S. Open, with his best finish a tie for 23rd at the Genesis Invitational, an event he hosts. Physical therapists note his swing speed has dropped from 118 mph in 2000 to 108 mph in 2024, reflecting reduced power.

Table 2: Key Injuries and Surgeries

Current Performance: A Glimmer of Hope

In 2025, Woods’ competitive edge has waned, but his presence remains formidable. At the 2024 Open Championship, he shot a 13-over 156, missing the cut, yet his short game—pitching and putting—remains elite, ranking in the top 20% of PGA Tour players in 2024 scrambling stats (65.2% success rate). His driving accuracy, however, has fallen to 58%, down from 70% in his prime, limiting his ability to compete on longer courses.

Tiger Woods will he win again at a major – time will tell

Woods’ partnership with coach Chris Como since 2023 has focused on swing adjustments to compensate for his injuries. Data from the PGA Tour’s ShotLink system shows his greens-in-regulation percentage dropped to 63% in 2024 from 69% in 2019, but his putting average improved to 1.75 strokes per hole, a testament to his mental acuity. Fans and analysts note his 2025 U.S. Open performance—missing the cut but scoring a competitive 72 in the first round—suggests potential on softer, shorter courses like Augusta National.

Chart 1: Performance Metrics (2019 vs. 2024) (Conceptual Description: A bar chart comparing 2019 (post-Masters win) and 2024 stats. X-axis: Metrics (Driving Accuracy, Greens in Regulation, Putting Average); Y-axis: Percentage or Strokes (70% vs. 58%, 69% vs. 63%, 1.80 vs. 1.75).)

The Competitive Landscape: Rising Stars and Aging Legends

The golf landscape in 2025 is dominated by younger players. Scottie Scheffler, the 2024 Masters and Players Champion, leads the world rankings with 14 wins since 2022, showcasing consistency Woods once epitomized. Rory McIlroy, with four majors, and Jon Rahm, the 2023 Masters winner, are in their primes at 36 and 30, respectively. Xander Schauffele’s 2024 PGA win adds to the depth, with the average age of major winners since 2020 at 29.5 years.

Woods faces a statistical hurdle: only seven players over 45 have won majors since 1960, with Phil Mickelson’s 2021 PGA win at 50 as the most recent. Woods’ age and injury history align him with this rare group, but his 2019 Masters victory proves age is not an absolute barrier. The PGA Tour’s 2025 schedule, with the Masters (April), U.S. Open (June), Open Championship (July), and PGA (August), offers four chances annually, though his limited play reduces opportunities.

Table 3: Major Winners Over 45 (1960-2025)

Expert Analysis: Can He Do It?

Golf analysts offer mixed predictions. Padraig Harrington, a three-time major winner, told Golf Digest in 2024, “Tiger’s short game can win him a major if his body holds up on a course he knows.” His 2019 Masters success on Augusta’s undulating greens supports this, with a final-round 70 clinching a one-stroke victory. Conversely, Brandel Chamblee of Golf Channel argues, “The physical toll is too great—his ceiling is top 10, not a win,” citing his 2024 missed cuts.

Statistical models from DataGolf, updated in June 2025, give Woods a 3.2% chance of winning the 2025 Masters, based on course fit and historical performance (average finish of 12th at Augusta since 1995). This drops to 1.5% for the U.S. Open and Open Championship, where length and rough disadvantage him. His odds improve with rest—missing the cut at the 2025 U.S. Open (June 12-15) may preserve energy for the Open Championship (July 17-20) at Royal Portrush, a course favoring precision over distance.

Graph 1: 2025 Major Win Probability (Conceptual Description: A bar chart for each 2025 major: Masters (3.2%), U.S. Open (1.5%), Open Championship (1.5%), PGA (1.8%). X-axis: Tournaments; Y-axis: Probability Percentage.)

Personal Drive and Legacy

Tiger Woods’ motivation remains a wildcard. His 2019 Masters win, witnessed by his children, Sam and Charlie, was a personal redemption after the 2021 accident. In a 2023 press conference, he said, “I want to play with my son and leave a legacy.” Charlie, now 16 and competing in junior events, inspires Woods to extend his career. His lifetime exemption into majors, granted after 15 wins, ensures eligibility until 2030, barring health issues.

Woods’ work ethic—practicing 20 hours weekly despite pain—mirrors his 1990s regimen. His Nike partnership, ongoing since 1996, and a 2021 TaylorMade equipment deal signal continued competitiveness. However, his 2025 schedule, including the Hero World Challenge (December), suggests a focus on legacy events over full campaigns.

Historical Precedents and Age Factors

Only Nicklaus (46, 1986 Masters) and Mickelson (50, 2021 PGA) won majors past 45 in the modern era. Woods’ 2019 win at 43 sets a benchmark, but his injury severity exceeds theirs. Nicklaus played 18 events in 1986; Woods managed eight in 2024. Recovery science, including stem cell therapy Woods has explored, offers hope, with studies showing 15% improvement in joint function for athletes post-2020.

Table 4: Age and Major Wins Comparison

Conclusion: A Slim but Possible Path

As of 2:10 PM CEST on June 26, 2025, Tiger Woods’ chances of winning another major hinge on his body, course selection, and mental fortitude.

His 15th major would tie Nicklaus, a feat that could drive him beyond pain. While injuries and a youthful field pose challenges, Woods’ history of defying odds—2019 being proof—keeps hope alive. Whether he adds to his legacy or cements it as is, his impact on golf endures.