Ernie Els says he hopes to compete against Tiger Woods again—this time on the PGA Tour Champions—and believes the senior circuit could be exactly what the 15-time major winner needs.
Speaking earlier this week at the groundbreaking of an autism-friendly recreation complex at the Els Center of Excellence in Jupiter, Els offered both encouragement and a friendly challenge to his longtime rival.
“I’ve said, please come play. I think it can only be beneficial to him,” the four-time major champion told the Palm Beach Post. “He’ll get himself in golf shape. You can ride a cart without any shame, and if there’s one guy who deserves that option, it’s him. And he can get his ass back in shape.”
Woods, who turns 50 in December, did not tee it up in a PGA Tour event this season after rupturing his Achilles in March. His milestone birthday makes him eligible to compete on the PGA Tour Champions in 2026.
Els, who has been a force on the senior circuit since 2020 with seven victories, knows firsthand how fierce Woods can be. He famously finished runner-up to him in two majors in 2000 and lost a thrilling battle to Woods at Kapalua that same year.
Still, despite his admiration, Els couldn’t resist throwing down a challenge.
“Beat us again… if you can,” he said with a smile.
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