Tiger Woods' biggest problem in returning to the golf course revealed by his close friend

Tiger Woods’ long-awaited return remains uncertain, and one of his closest friends has now revealed the main issue holding him back. Speaking on the Straight Facts Homie podcast, Notah Begay III said the 49-year-old’s biggest obstacle has nothing to do with his swing or power. It is simply being able to walk a full golf course.

Woods has not played since the 2024 Open Championship at Royal Troon. He ruptured his left Achilles tendon in March and later underwent the seventh back procedure of his career which pushed his recovery even further back.

Begay revealed that despite the injuries, Woods still has one major goal in mind: surpassing Sam Snead’s all-time PGA Tour wins record. Both players currently sit at 82 victories.

"I never take anything away from the guy. I think in his heart of hearts, 83 is a big number. It's an important number," Begay III said on the podcast. (via Golf Magic)

2025 U.S. Junior Amateur - Day One - Source: Getty

With Tiger Woods turning 50 next month, speculation has grown about him possibly testing the senior circuit, where players are allowed to use golf carts, and 54-hole events could ease the physical toll. Senior majors, however, still require 72 holes of walking.

According to Begay, Woods’ game remains strong. His ball speed still sits between 175 and 180 mph, which is solid enough for PGA Tour competition. But one issue continues to dominate their conversations.

"I think the biggest problem, in the conversations that I've had with him, is the walking. That's it,” Begay added.

Tiger Woods underwent disc replacement surgery in September after dealing with persistent lower-back pain and has not announced any target date for a return. At this stage, his ability to walk four rounds remains the deciding factor in whether he will return to competitive golf.

Jim Furyk weighs in on a potential Tiger Woods debut

Tiger Woods has not said whether he will try the senior circuit, but many PGA Tour Champions players hope he does. Jim Furyk is the latest to speak about it, saying Woods would make a major difference if he decided to play.

“Huge impact...You remember when he came to the PGA Tour, I don’t think any of us had any idea. It hit us like a ton of bricks as far as how fast things were moving, security, fans, the excitement. But the economic impact on the tour, on the cities that he played in, the events that he played in was astronomical.

For us, I think if he does indeed decide to play some events, just being prepared and being ready is step one. But it would be a huge boost for our tour” Furyk told Golf Channel’s Rex Hoggard. (via Golf.com)

PGA Tour Champions president Miller Brady also commented on the possibility. He said the tour has spent the past year preparing for Woods's turning 50 and has already planned for the attention he would bring if he decides to make a senior circuit debut.