Tiger Woods set to play in golf buggy on PGA Champions Tour due to chronic walking pain
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.
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
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
“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
“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.”