Ernie Els just issued Tiger Woods the ultimate Champions Tour challenge.

Ernie Els isn’t mincing words about Tiger Woods joining the Champions Tour when he turns 50 this December. At the groundbreaking for his Els Center of Excellence in Jupiter, Florida, the Big Easy delivered a playful but pointed message to the 15-time major champion: “Beat us again … if you can.”

The South African legend isn’t just talking trash – he’s genuinely excited about the possibility. “I’ve said, please come play. And I think it can only be beneficial to him,” Els said, pointing out that Tiger could finally use a cart without any stigma attached. After everything Woods has been through physically, that cart privilege might be exactly what he needs.

The Comeback Road

Woods hasn’t made a PGA Tour start in 2025 after undergoing surgery for a ruptured Achilles in March. While he participated in the TGL season, his last official tour appearance was a missed cut at the 2024 Open Championship. The timing couldn’t be more perfect for a senior circuit transition.

Els sees the Champions Tour as Tiger’s path back to competitive golf shape. “He can get his ass back in shape” was Els’ blunt assessment of how the senior tour could help Woods physically and competitively.

The Obligation Factor

Paul Azinger has an interesting take on Woods’ potential Champions Tour debut. The former Ryder Cup captain believes Tiger might feel obligated to play the senior circuit, especially after benefiting from the PGA Tour’s Player Impact Program in recent years. “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,” Azinger said.

The Golden Bear’s Prediction

Jack Nicklaus doesn’t mince words about what would happen if Woods joins the senior ranks. “He’d be able to get in a cart, and he’ll absolutely kill everybody,” Nicklaus predicted on Golf Central. Coming from the game’s greatest champion, that’s not exactly a vote of confidence for the current Champions Tour field.

The Competitive Fire

Bernhard Langer, who has 47 Champions Tour wins, got a close look at Tiger’s competitive spirit at the PNC Championship last December. Despite beating Tiger and Charlie Woods in a playoff, Langer came away convinced that Woods still has the fire. “Tiger still loves the game. He’s still very competitive,” Langer observed.