Tiger Woods’ Exciting Return to the PGA TOUR at Genesis Invitational
The PGA TOUR saw an exciting return of Tiger Woods at the Genesis Invitational in Pacific Palisades, California last week. After a long absence due to injury, Woods finished in a tie for 45th place. Jon Rahm took home the trophy, but it is Woods’ return that has people talking.[0]
The 15-time major champion shot a 69 in the first round and three birdies on the final three holes. After the tournament, Woods stated that his goal is to play all four majors every year, with maybe a few events sprinkled in.[0] Despite an injury that still bothers him as he walks, Woods showed great promise in his return.
For the second time since his car accident in 2021, Woods surprised many with his return. His right ankle, leg, and back still limit his ability to play.[1] But even with these limitations, his presence in the field adds to the intrigue of the tournament.
Rahm’s victory marked his third win of the year and fifth in his last nine competitive starts.[0] His win also pushed him back to the No. 1 spot in the Official World Golf Ranking. When asked about the ranking, Rahm responded, “I don’t need a ranking to tell me, to validate anything, right? I’m having the best season of my life, and hopefully, I can keep it going.”[0]
Max Homa also had a great finish at the Genesis Invitational, coming in second place. “It hurts me not to be able to do [win] with everyone here, my family and friends,” he said.[2]
Woods’ next potential start is at the Players Championship, the Tour’s flagship event. He is a two-time winner of the event, and it could be extra helpful for him to get some additional reps in before the Masters.[1] Woods would have three full weeks to recover and prep for Augusta National.[1]
Last year, Woods surprised many when he made his first start after his car accident.[1] His body still limits how much he can play, but having Tiger in the field adds an extra layer of intrigue.[1] Here’s hoping Woods surprises even himself and his body is willing and able to make one more start before the Masters.[3]
0. “Tiger Woods produces best performance since car crash as Jon Rahm wins Genesis Invitational to regain world No. 1 spot” CNN, 20 Feb. 2023, https://www.cnn.com/2023/02/20/golf/jon-rahm-tiger-woods-genesis-invitational-spt-intl/index.html
1. “Where and when will Tiger Woods play next?” Golfweek, 20 Feb. 2023, https://golfweek.usatoday.com/2023/02/20/pga-tour-tiger-woods-play-again-genesis-invitational-2023-masters/
2. “WiretoWire: Rahm-ination continues at Riviera” PGA TOUR, 20 Feb. 2023, https://www.pgatour.com/article/news/wire-to-wire/2023/02/20/rahm-ination-continues-at-riviera-tiger-woods-the-genesis-invitational
3. “Tiger Woods: Where will golf star play next before Masters?” USA TODAY, 21 Feb. 2023, https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/golf/2023/02/20/tiger-woods-next-tournament-before-masters/51300867
