Tiger Woods’ career hangs in the balance after injury, while Rory McIlroy rules out playing into his 50s

As Tiger Woods faces another devastating injury, Rory McIlroy has made one thing clear—he has no intention of stretching his career into his 50s.

Woods, 49, ruptured his Achilles while training at home on Tuesday morning, all but ending his 2025 season. His bad luck with injuries continues, and McIlroy believes he won’t return for any of this year’s majors.

“It sucks,” McIlroy admitted. “He doesn’t have much luck when it comes to injuries and his body. Obviously, he was trying to ramp up for Augusta, and Achilles surgeries aren’t fun. I’m hoping he’s in good spirits, and hopefully we see him play in 2026.”

While Woods fights to prolong his legendary career, McIlroy is already planning his exit. The Northern Irishman, who turns 36 in May, has no interest in playing professional golf into old age.

“I’m very happy to move aside for the younger generation,” he said. “I turned pro in 2007. That’s 18 years of a career, and not many athletes can say they’ve had that. I know how lucky golfers are to have longevity, but when I feel the time is right, I’ll have no problem stepping aside.”

McIlroy is determined to bow out on his own terms. He refuses to let his career decline into mediocrity, preferring to leave with “something left in the tank.”

“I don’t want to be out there embarrassing myself,” he said. “I’d rather walk away maybe a little before I should.”

His retirement plans also come with one firm declaration—he will never play on the Champions Tour.

“I’ve said a lot of absolutes in my time that I’ve walked back, but I do not envision playing Champions Tour golf,” he stated. “Something has gone terribly wrong if I have to compete at 50.”

Meanwhile, the battle over golf’s future continues. McIlroy remains vocal about the need for a more global approach to the sport, as discussions between traditional tours and the Saudi-backed Public Investment Fund drag on.

At the same time, speculation over Brooks Koepka’s future intensifies. The five-time major winner, currently playing on the Saudi-funded LIV Golf circuit, has been rumoured to be eyeing a return to the PGA Tour.

Former Masters champion Fred Couples suggested last week that Koepka is eager for a PGA Tour comeback, a claim that the American neither confirmed nor denied.

“I’ve got a contract obligation out here to fulfil, and then we’ll see what happens,” Koepka said. “I don’t know where I’m going, so I don’t know how everybody else does.”

Koepka’s frustration with LIV’s light playing schedule is no secret. While he remains focused on improving his game, there’s a growing sense that he may seek a way back to traditional golf.

“Right now, I’m just focused on how I play better, how I play better in the majors, how this team wins, and then we’ll figure out next year,” he added.

For now, Woods faces an uncertain road to recovery, Koepka’s future remains in limbo, and McIlroy is already preparing for life after golf. The sport stands at a crossroads, and the next few years could redefine its landscape forever.