It will soon be nearly three months since Tiger Woods last participated in a competitive match! The 48-year-old was last observed taking part in the Hero World Challenge in December 2023. However, after his break from Nike, he most likely entered a state of recuperation or was engaged organizing something significant. Even if the great player is no longer on the greens, he is still regarded as a formidable opponent!
And the reason for this is because in the past, he rose to the top quite quickly. The 48-year-old’s admirers think he’ll accomplish it all over again once he gets back on the greens, which should happen shortly. A five-time PGA Tour winner just confirmed the fans’ belief!
Every golf enthusiast is aware of Woods’ absolute supremacy in the sport. He used to hold the number one position all the time and remained there for a record 683 weeks. However, the American golfer’s left knee and Achilles tendon sustained a slight injury in 2011. As a result, he missed a few events, and Luke Donald took first place.
But the five-time PGA Tour winner wasn’t sugarcoated when it came to how Woods reclaimed his position. He recalled it thus way: “Tiger [Woods] wasn’t at his strongest.” Even though he was ranked nine or ten and had problems, he was making a comeback to the game.
Woods had just breaking into the top 10 at the time Donald claimed to be in the lead. But Tiger Woods was already in the top 5 when he lost the top place! However, Rory McIlroy secured the top spot, denying Woods the position for the second consecutive year. But the 15-time major winner proved why he is the greatest in the sport by winning the top spot the very next year!
Even Donald said that one should use the opportunity to take the top place because Woods will eventually reclaim it. Even though he is a top golfer, Woods is currently bothered by his ailments. He made a pledge to his supporters during his much awaited comeback that he would participate in one event per month. The golf community is eager to see him return to the course in February, even if he hasn’t yet graced the greens.
Tiger Woods sponsors two events, the Genesis Invitational being one where he is probably going to compete. The Riviera Golf Club will host the event from February 15 to February 18. In addition, it will be his first appearance on the PGA Tour in 2024. The 48-year-old’s presence at important events will also be a source of pride for the golf community. He already has lifetime exemptions to the PGA Championship and the Masters.
He has till he turns 60 to compete at The Open. However, Woods will not be excused from playing in the aforementioned major tournament for the first time in 2024 at the US Open. The 82-time PGA Tour champion will probably have to wait to compete at Pinehurst unless the USGA grants him an exemption.
