Is Tiger Woods plotting a shock return? Fresh comments about his new Bridgestone golf ball suggest the 15-time major champ may be closer to teeing it up than anyone thought.<\/p>\n
MyGolfSpy has revealed Woods<\/a>, 49, has already seen a jump in ball speed with Bridgestone\u2019s new VS model<\/a>\u2014and that he plans to game it in 2026.\u00a0<\/p>\n The site also published a photo of Woods proudly flashing the VS Proto earlier this week, sparking fresh hype around his comeback.<\/p>\n \u201cFor what it\u2019s worth, Tiger \u2018confirmed the ball speed increase\u2019 and said he\u2019s excited to put it in play in 2026,\u201d the outlet reported<\/a>, before cheekily noting, \u201cTiger is a little banged up right now. Again.\u201d<\/p>\n They\u2019re not wrong. Woods, 49, is recovering from the seventh back surgery of his career, a lumbar disc replacement on his L4\/5.\u00a0<\/p>\n Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT<\/p>\n Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT<\/p>\n The operation was a success, but he\u2019s been ordered to rest after already spending months rehabbing from a torn Achilles.<\/p>\n With no official return date, Woods joins close pal Justin Thomas on the sidelines\u2014Thomas is out after undergoing a microdiscectomy<\/a> this week.\u00a0<\/p>\n It\u2019s a double blow for December\u2019s PNC Championship, where Tiger usually plays with son Charlie<\/a> and Thomas with his dad, Mike.\u00a0<\/p>\n Thomas is confirmed out\u2026 and Woods? Let\u2019s just say no one\u2019s holding their breath. Team Woods isn\u2019t even listed<\/a> in the field.<\/p>\n Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT<\/p>\n Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT<\/p>\n But here\u2019s where fans are buzzing: if Tiger is already noticing ball-speed gains with Bridgestone\u2019s new dimples, he\u2019s clearly been hitting shots recently\u2014either before or (whisper it\u2026) after the back surgery in October.\u00a0<\/p>\n That alone has fueled hopes that he might return sooner than the medical experts advising him to wait until The Masters in April.<\/p>\n \ud83d\udea8\ud83d\udc40\ud83d\udc05 #NEW<\/a> PHOTO \u2014 Tiger holding the new Bridgestone VS Proto ball earlier this week. Woods reportedly told the brand that he\u2019s seen a ball speed increase and will be putting it in play in 2026, per @MyGolfSpy<\/a>. pic.twitter.com\/onpnuiL8us<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 TWLEGION (@TWlegion) November 14, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n Woods also turns 50 next month, meaning he\u2019s finally eligible for the PGA Tour Champions in 2026.\u00a0<\/p>\n Adding fuel to the fire, he was spotted wearing an Insperity logo<\/a>\u2014a senior-tour partner\u2014during Bridgestone\u2019s latest shoot,<\/a> where his new ball comments surfaced.<\/p>\n Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT<\/p>\n Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT<\/p>\n One thing is certain: Tiger\u2019s smiling, testing gear, and talking ball speed.\u00a0<\/p>\n And for a man who\u2019s survived more comebacks than a Hollywood action hero, that\u2019s enough to keep the rumour mill roaring.<\/p>\n Subscribe to our Newsletter