The Genesis Invitational was the first official start for Tiger Woods on the PGA Tour after he last played the Masters in 2023. It was the anticipated return of the golfing great. However, Woods started having spasms in his back, which made him shank the opening and only round he played. Moreover, before the second round started, Woods withdrew from the event, citing influenza.
The return of the 48-year-old has been looking bleak, as no updates from his side have been made public. But now, a veteran pro has made a staggering claim regarding Woods’s next start on the PGA Tour. The 57-year-old gave a subtle hint that Woods might play in the PLAYERS Championship.
The last time Steve Stricker and Woods were paired together was probably in one of the Ryder or President Cups. In the past decade or so, the two have not played together as much. Woods has been on and off the golf course, and Stricker started on the PGA Tour Champions. However, the 12-time PGA Tour winner expressed opined his desire to play with Woods again.
On the Golf Digest podcast, Stricker shared that he wanted to ask the 5x Masters Champion to play the Zurich Classic, but he did not. But hie did express his wish to play with him next in the PLAYERS event. He said, “You know, I’ll see him next week at the Players, hopefully, he’ll be there and I’ll be there, hopefully, play a practice round with him. Yeah, I’ll ask him.”
The statement somewhat confirms that Woods might compete at the TPC Sawgrass after a month of rest. Furthermore, while making his return at the 2023 Hero World Challenge, Woods shared his plans to play an event per month. He said he “would have to start maybe at Genesis [which he did] and something in March, near the Players.”
If the two statements are to be believed, then the 82-time PGA Tour winner may surely tee it up at the Players Championship. But nothing can be confirmed, as of now. Although he did play at the Seminole GC a few days ago, and shockingly, impressed everyone with form.
Regardless, the golf world will be patiently waiting for when and how the GOAT makes his awaited return. Until then, the golf world might wonder if the golfer is planning to retire, since he has been made Vice Chairman.
Tiger Woods becomes the vice chairman of PGAT Enterprise, starting retirement rumors
Recently, the PGA Tour announced a new board of members for the PGA Tour Enterprise, a for-profit entity, after getting the $3 billion investment from SSG. Tiger Woods, being a long-time member of the Tour and a player director on the Players Advisory Council, was given a berth on the enterprise committee as well.
While Jay Monahan will remain the Chief Executive Officer, Woods will be vice chairman, with many other pros joining the committee. Woods’s responsibilities sure has increased with the upcoming merger with PIF and TGL starting in 2025, and his other ventures. He may not have time to play professionally, but only time will tell if the GOAT will retire from the sport that he has been playing for so long!
