Few rivalries in golf have endured with the same intensity and respect over time. The rivalry between Ernie Els and Tiger Woods is among them. From playoff duels to major championship showdowns, their careers have been intertwined since the late 1990s.
Whether it was Woods draining a 40-foot birdie to beat Els at the 2000 Mercedes Championships or their unforgettable playoff at the 2003 Presidents Cup, the two legends have shared some of the sport’s most iconic moments.
Now, as Woods approaches his 50th birthday on December 30th, Els has reignited the competitive spark for their senior stage.
“Beat us again … if you can,” Els told the Palm Beach Post while unveiling his autism-friendly recreation complex.
The message was aimed squarely at Big Cat, who will become eligible for the PGA Tour Champions in 2026.
Els, now 55, has already made the transition with notable success. He’s finished inside the top 10 of the season-long standings for three consecutive years and currently ranks No. 5.
“It doesn’t help him to finish 70th on the regular tour, not really getting proper reps,” Els added during the same conversation with the Palm Beach Post. “He can shoot 66 (on the senior tour). Get your confidence up, make those birdie putts under the gun.”
The 15-time major champion has avoided playing in recent years due to a series of injuries. Most recently, he ruptured his left Achilles tendon in the spring, sidelining him for the year.
But with the PGA Tour Champions offering the advantage of using carts, Woods gains an edge.
“I’ve got three more years, where I get the little buggy and be out there with Fred (Couples),” Woods told reporters at the 2023 Masters.
Els believes the senior tour could be exactly what Woods needs, not just to compete, but to rebuild his rhythm and confidence.
“I hope so,” Els expressed as quoted. “I’ve said, ‘Please come play.’ And I think it can only be beneficial to (Woods). He will get himself in golf shape. You can ride a cart without any shame and if there was one guy that should be able to drive a cart, it’s him. And he can get his ass back in shape.”
The sentiment is echoed by others in the golf world
Paul Azinger, a 12-time PGA Tour winner and NBC‘s lead analyst for the Champions Tour, believes Woods’ arrival would be a seismic moment for the over-50 circuit.
“I believe there’s a lot of anticipation (for Woods),” Azinger expressed in February as quoted by Sports Illustrated. “A lot of guys are going to be in shape and ready and try to beat Tiger if they can. I think Tiger might even feel an obligation to play the (PGA Tour Champions). The Tour has given Tiger a lot of money the last few years with that Player Impact Program. I’m sure he’s going to give back, and it’s going to be to all the benefit of these guys out here that are over 50”.
For now, Woods remains focused on recovery. But with his eligibility just months away, the stage is quietly being set for a new chapter.
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