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Tiger Woods made the cut at the Masters but his injury history, including a car crash in 2021, means he struggles to walk four successive rounds and play regularly
Tiger Woods struggles to walk around the course for four rounds (
Image: Getty Images)
Paul Broadhurst has revealed Tiger Woods is set to follow in his footsteps by starring on the PGA Champions Tour using a buggy.
Broadhurst has won and finished second in his last two appearances in USA on the seniors tour to take his earnings this season to £580,000. Despite battling chronic arthritis in his ankle, the English ex-Ryder Cup ace has won over £6million since joining the tour after turning 50.
Broadhurst has had dispensation since last year to use a buggy as he is no longer able to walk 18 holes due to his ankle, which requires medication and surgery. He reckons 15-time Major winner Woods will do the same when he turns 50 next year and can join the seniors too, where anyone can now use a buggy if they wish.
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Broadhurst, who turns 59 in August, said: “The tour are hoping Tiger is going to play the Champions Tour, no question. They are really hopeful and I think he has given out signs that he is more than happy to play once he turns 50.
“He will be able to take a cart – that won’t be an issue for him. He will perhaps be looking forward to playing without walking around.”
Woods made the cut at The Masters last month ( Getty Images)
Woods made the cut at the Masters but his injury history, including a car crash in 2021, means he struggles to walk four successive rounds and play regularly. Broadhurst sympathises and admits only the use of a buggy has enabled him to play on and impress, including winning the Invited Celebrity Classic last month.
He reflected: “I keep taking the tablets. I have severe arthritis in my right ankle. Once I have perhaps retired, it will need operating on. At the moment I have been told it is a year to recover from but I haven’t got a year playing this game.
“I am 58 years of age. That will have to wait for a few more years. At the moment we are fortunately able to take a cart. I can get around that way and it doesn’t seem to be affecting my golf.
Paul Broadhurst uses a golf buggy to get around the course ( Getty Images)
“The foot is OK as long as I keep taking my medication. I put an anti-inflammatory strapping on which numbs it a bit and with the aid of the cart I am able to get around. If I had to walk 18 holes I would be really struggling.”
Broadhurst’s win was his first since 2018 and came straight off the back of catching up with his sports psychologist Dr John Pates. He added: “When things are not going well, you are not too sure whether it is your form, the injury or the brain.
“It is probably a case of everything because the injury was causing swing problems and that was causing mental problems. That is why I took the opportunity to see John before I won. My son Sam, who is trying to make his way in the game, has also been helping me out as well the last couple of months.
Tiger Woods is eyeing a spot on PGA Champions Tour ( Getty Images)
“We both have the same coach Tim Rouse at Northamptonshire County Golf Club and have been playing and practising together. We have spent a lot of time together on the range and playing together. He has been a big help.
“We both went to see John and it has been a Team Broadhurst effort with my wife Lorraine as well, she has been a big support. When things are not going great it is a frustrating game and the wife takes the brunt of most of it.”
