“Tiger says, 'I just hope I'm alive at 58'”: Analyst recalls how Tiger Woods once shared he couldn’t imagine playing golf 'that old'
In a recent episode of the No Laying Up podcast, Chris Solomon and Kevin Van Valkenburg (KVV) reminisced about a time when Tiger Woods doubted whether he could continue playing as he aged. The American golfer started playing at a very young age and had an impressive junior and amateur career before achieving phenomenal success as a professional. However, the 48-year-old once acknowledged that he couldn’t imagine himself playing at an older age.
In episode 923 of the podcast, the hosts discussed incidents from the four major championships in 1998. That year, Jack Nicklaus, who was around 58 at that time, made his 40th consecutive appearance at the Masters. Reflecting on Nicklaus’ longevity, Woods doubted if he could play at that age.
Van Valkenburg recently recalled Woods' doubt in the podcast, saying:
"I think I have to think that way. It's just the way I am. They asked Tiger if he could imagine competing in you know his 40th Masters which is just, is Jack's 40th straight Masters, Tiger says,'I just hope I am alive at 58.God no.' I can't fathom being that old or you'll get there." (at 30:55)
Notably, at age 58, Nicklaus was still impressive at the 1998 Masters, finishing in 21st place. He made his major championship debut at the 1957 U.S. Open but missed the cut.
Nicklaus first played the Masters in 1959 and went on to win six times at Augusta. Known as "The Golden Bear," Nicklaus won 18 majors, the most in the sport’s history. He won six Masters, five PGA Championships, four U.S. Opens, and three Open Championships. His last major appearance was in 2005, when he competed at the Masters and The Open Championship, missing the cut in both.
How has Tiger Woods been playing in his late 40s?
Tiger Woods is still playing golf in his late 40s but has faced significant struggles. A severe car accident in 2021 impacted his performance on the course and limited his outings on the greens.
In the 2021-22 PGA Tour season, Woods competed in only three events, withdrawing from the PGA Championship and struggling in the other two majors. He finished 47th at the Masters and missed the cut at The Open Championship.
In the 2022-23 season, Woods played just three events, withdrawing from the Masters, finishing tied for 45th at the Genesis Invitational, and placing 18th at the Hero World Challenge.
In 2024, Woods played five events but withdrew from the Genesis Invitational. Other than that, he only competed in majors. However, he struggled with his game. He missed the cut in three of them and finished 60th at the Masters.
Woods last competed at The Open Championship but missed the cut. Fans are waiting for his return to the greens again.