Tiger Woods is slated to make his inaugural appearance on the PGA Tour in the upcoming month, participating in the Genesis Invitational at Riviera while simultaneously fulfilling his hosting duties for the event.
In 2023, Woods, grappling with persistent injuries, participated in only three tournaments. Following a seven-month hiatus, he returned to compete in last year’s Genesis and subsequently took to the course for the Masters six weeks later. Unfortunately, his Augusta experience turned sour as he was compelled to withdraw due to injury before the third round. An extended absence from competition ensued as the golf legend grappled with an eight-month recovery period for an ankle issue.
His second comeback of the season materialized at the Hero World Challenge in December, concluding his campaign in the Bahamas. The PGA Tour has now disclosed that after a two-month break, Woods is poised to kick off his year in Los Angeles in February. This return aligns with Woods’ commitment to participate in one event per month throughout 2024, commencing in February.
Expressing his outlook while hosting the Hero World Challenge in December, Woods stated, “I think that the best scenario would be maybe a tournament a month. Again, we have it set up right now; the biggest events are one per month. It sets itself up for that. Now, I need to get myself ready for all that. I think this week is a big step in that direction.” Choosing to forego competition in January, Woods is gearing up for his return in LA next month at an event and golf course close to his heart.
Riviera holds particular significance as it marks the venue of the 15-time major champion’s PGA Tour debut at the Los Angeles Open in 1992, when he was just 16 years old. A quarter of a century later, now regarded as one of golf’s greatest players, Woods assumed the role of tournament host under its new sponsor name Genesis, a position he has retained since then.
Following his appearance in California, Woods is anticipated to participate in the Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass in March. The subsequent four months will witness the staging of golf’s four majors: the Masters in April, PGA Championship in May, US Open in June, and The Open in July, concluding the major season.
Beyond July, Woods’ plans for the remainder of the year remain uncertain, contingent on his fitness. Despite participating in just six events over two years due to injuries, Woods expresses confidence in adhering to his 2024 plan, stating last month, “I think that I can get into the rhythm of it. I think that having a couple of weeks off to recover, a week to build up, there’s no reason why I can’t get into that rhythm. It’s just a matter of getting in better shape, basically. I feel like my game’s not that far off, but I need to get in better shape.”
