Can Tiger Woods play in the 2028 PGA Tour Championship Series?

The PGA Tour outlined substantial changes to its player eligibility criteria for the Championship Series commencing in 2028, on September 15. Amidst these modifications, the question arises: could Tiger Woods, the golfer with the most career victories (82) and the second-highest number of major championships (15), participate in the 2028 Championship Series?

According to current regulations, Woods, who is 50 and presently ranked No. 3 on the career money list, can participate in the 2028 Championship Series by utilizing a one-time exemption. This exemption is granted to individuals who are among the top 50 on the career money list. Currently, Woods ranks at No. 3, having fallen behind Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy this season.

Woods is exempt from participation in several significant tournaments in the 2027 PGA Tour season due to his lifetime exemption as a member of the World Golf Hall of Fame and his past championship wins. However, he lost his exemptions for The Players Championship and the U.S. Open after the 2024 tournaments. Woods was previously eligible until then due to his 2019 Masters victory. He could also qualify for the Championship Series in 2028 by winning an event in 2027.

PGA Tour Commissioner Brian Rolapp confirmed during a virtual news conference on September 15 that Woods, who chairs the Future Competitions Committee, did not leverage his position to advocate for additional avenues to gain access. According to Rolapp, Woods expressed a desire to do what is best for the PGA Tour and has been focusing on making the PGA Tour sustainable for the long term.

Despite facing injuries and personal issues, including a March DUI arrest resulting in a five-year suspension of his license, Woods has not competed in any PGA Tour events since 2024. His last competitive golf appearance was at a TGL event on March 1.