Tiger Woods' four-word answer called into question as PGA Tour icon admits to trash talk

Golf icon Padraig Harrington has revealed Tiger Woods has discussed leaving the PGA Tour. Woods is 18 months short of his 50th birthday, but he could be handed an early entry to the PGA Tour Champions.

The American, who has rejected invitations to join the rival LIV Golf Tour and stayed devoted to PGA, might consider another option soon. Turning 50 would qualify him for PGA Tour Champions - but the organisation is open to changing its age rules to accommodate the 15-time major winner.

Previously known as the Senior PGA Tour, officials have long been preparing for Woods' future involvement. When asked by Steve Stricker about joining the tour before his half-century, Woods responded: "No, I'm not ready." He went on to add: "I want to follow in the same footsteps as Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Bernhard Langer [by entering aged 50]."

PGA Tour Champions allow players to use carts to get around the courses, easing the physical toll and increasing Woods' chances of winning senior titles. Despite his previous denial, Harrington has implied that the golf superstar is enthusiastic about leaving the PGA Tour.

"He'd love to win that Grand Slam and get some of the other senior majors on his CV," Harrington told Golf Week. "I saw him at the course (during the PNC Championship in December) and we were just crossing paths and he laughed at me. I won't say exactly what he said but the gist of it was he can't wait to get out and beat me."

Taking a look at his exceptional career, Woods boasts 15 major titles, trailing behind Nicklaus who has a record of 18. However, he's not come class to improving his tally this year, with a lowly 60th place finish at the Masters and failing to make the cut in both the PGA Championship and US Open.

If Woods decides to hop over to the PGA Tour Champions, he would have a chance at claiming a unique Grand Slam. The 48-year-old could add the US Senior Open to his list of victories alongside three-time triumphs at the US Junior, US Amateur and US Opens.

They're fully aware that landing Woods would boost their viewership like never before. Recalling a chat with Stricker about altering the age limit in 2021, tour president Miller Brady admitted: "I said, 'No, we just did this,' unless Tiger tells me he'd play right now. [If that's the case], I'll lower the age tomorrow."

In June last year, Brady held a meeting in an attempt to plan for "the craziest things" that may occur once Woods makes the shift to PGA Champions. It remains to be seen whether Woods will accept the offer before he hits 50, but he will soon have his eyes set on a new set of milestones, such as beating Langer's 12 senior major titles.

Geoff Ogilvy, 47, could join PGA Tour Champions at a similar time to Woods. The former US Open winner believes the senior tour could help him roll back the years. "Taking a cart changes everything for him," he said.

"Interest both from fans and sponsors is going to be through the roof. I think there's a good chance that Champions Tour ratings can top the PGA Tour when he decides to play. And what else is he going to?"

Meanwhile, the US Senior Open is set to commence at Newport Country Club this Thursday, with England's Richard Bland tipped as the favourite following his victory at the Senior PGA Championship.