Tiger Woods’ phone must be buzzing the whole day as the legend has just turned 50. And Woods‘ TGR Ventures’ official Instagram handle, alongside the PGA Tour and Golf Channel, has just dropped a heartwarming video. Messages poured in from every corner of the sports world, not just golf. Legends, rivals, and young stars alike paused their routines to send heartfelt wishes. And every wish would just remind the world how deeply Tiger Woods’ journey has touched lives across generations. And amid those wishes coming from all across the globe, the wishes from his rivals and friends, Rory McIlroy and Justin Thomas, truly stood out.

Rory McIlroy had a short message to share for the American legend as he said, “Tiger, it’s your old buddy Rory here. Just wanna wish you the very happiest of birthdays.” In the very same video, Justin Thomas added, “Happy 50th birthday, my man. The day has officially come, you can move up another set of tees.” Justin Thomas, on the other hand, also shared a series of pictures on his Instagram stories. He went down the memory lane and shared the goated moments he shared with the legend and wished him, “Happy 50th, 🐐 @tigerwoods”

Woods, on his part, reshared the reel video on his Instagram story and issued a simple response, writing, “Thank you everybody!”

Not just Thomas and McIlroy, icons like Scottie Scheffler, Lydia Ko, Nelly Korda and others from the golfing realm, too, extended their heartfelt wishes as Woods stepped on to his 50 this December 30. But not just golfers, renowned names from other sports, too, shared their love and respect for the golfing GOAT. 

Starting from Steph Curry, to Michael Phelps everyone extended their wish for the 15-time Major champ. Swimming legend Michael Phelps on the other hand wrote, “Big 5-O, halfway to hundred, let’s go man.” And as the legend turns 50, the competitive realm and his fans wait for his return with bated breath.

Celebrating 50 years, what’s next for Tiger Woods now?

Most golf fans still picture Woods as the 27-year-old maestro picking apart his competitors. But as time and tide wait for none, the same happened with the legendary golfer too. While the PGA Tour curated a top 50 Tiger Woods moment on his birthday, a more serious question lingers beyond all the fun and frolic. Will the legend be back playing professional golf ever again? 

Well, as of now, the question is whether his body will permit him to do the same. As Woods has previously stated that he was ready to make a comeback into the professional sphere. But unfortunately, his latest back surgery is taking an unprecedentedly long time to heal. Now then, if he comes back at any point in time, the PGA is all ready to give him a hero’s welcome. Miller Bobby, the PGA Tour Champions President, said recently, “Yes, we’re ready. We’re well prepared. We’ve done some whiteboarding over the past year in preparation for Tiger turning 50. And if and when he plays, our tournaments are prepared.”

At such an age, most golf pundits are writing him off. In his latest column, veteran golf reporter Kevin Van Valkenburg pointed out that even if Woods does make a return, he won’t be able to replicate his prime form. Thus, with a lot of speculations coming in, fans will be interested to watch if the maestro can pull out one final dance from his arsenal.