Ernie Els Has a Message for Tiger Woods: ‘Get Back in Shape’

Ernie Els isn’t tiptoeing around when it comes to Tiger Woods.

In a clip making the rounds on golf Twitter today, Els said he wants to see Tiger on the Champions Tour in 2026 — and he didn’t sugarcoat it.

His exact words? “He’s got to get his ass back in shape.”

🚨🏆🐅 #NEW: Ernie Els says Tiger should come play on the Champions tour in 2026: “I’ve said, please come play. And I think it can only be beneficial to him. He will get himself in golf shape. You can ride a cart without any shame and if there was one guy that should be able to… pic.twitter.com/RJI8K3ezA6

— NUCLR GOLF (@NUCLRGOLF) August 29, 2025

That little jab from Els is already blowing up on social media. It’s part invitation, part taunt, and all about stoking the idea of Tiger stepping onto the over-50 circuit once he’s eligible.

“I’ve said, please come play. And I think it can only be beneficial to him. He will get himself in golf shape. You can ride a cart without any shame and if there was one guy that should be able to drive a cart, it’s him.

“And he can get his ass back in shape.”

For golf fans, the thought of Tiger mixing it up with familiar rivals in a slightly more relaxed but still competitive setting is pure gold.

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The truth is, wherever Tiger goes, the cameras and crowds follow. If he ever commits to even a limited Champions Tour schedule, it would instantly turn those events into headline attractions.

Pair that with a few classic rivalries—Els included—and the Champions Tour suddenly feels less like a victory lap and more like must-see TV.

Of course, Tiger hasn’t hinted at what he’ll do when he turns 50. He’s still grinding through PGA Tour starts when his body allows, and it’s hard to imagine him thinking too far ahead. But Els’ little dig feels like the kind of comment that could plant a seed, or at least give fans plenty to speculate about in the meantime.

Whether it was playful banter or a serious call-out, Els has made it clear—he wants to see Tiger back in fighting shape and competing against the game’s greats.

And honestly, who wouldn’t tune in for that?