Tiger Woods had an up-and-down return to competitive golf on Thursday, sinking five birdies but posting six bogeys at the Genesis Invitational. For a 48-year-old who has battled leg and ankle troubles since a serious car crash three years ago, it was ultimately an encouraging start to the year. Now, Woods faces another setback.
Woods withdrew from the Genesis Invitational on Friday, abruptly ending his run at the event hosted by his foundation.
Woods’ fans had hoped to see the golf legend just get healthy enough to compete despite his days of dominance being well behind him. As the year’s majors approach, Woods’ withdrawal raises more questions about which events he will be able to compete in going forward.
Here’s a look at what forced Woods out of the Genesis Invitational on Friday.
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Why did Tiger Woods withdraw from the Genesis Invitational?
Woods withdrew from the Genesis Open due to an illness. It isn’t clear what symptoms Woods was dealing with before his day ended.
Cameras captured Woods being driven off the course in a cart before he officially called it a day.
📺 Sad scenes as Tiger Woods has to withdraw from the #GenesisInvitational
— BETDAQ (@BETDAQ) February 16, 2024
If Woods is indeed only dealing with an illness, it would be a bit of a relief concerning his availability going forward. Woods has dealt with back and ankle issues for a handful of years, and he said after Thursday’s round that back spasms led him to shank a shot on the 18th hole.
Friday’s decision means Woods has now withdrawn from each of his past two PGA Tour starts, 10 months apart. The Genesis Invitational was his first official PGA Tour event since the 2023 Masters, where he also withdrew in challenging weather conditions. Woods underwent ankle surgery days after exiting the Masters.
Woods has withdrawn from two of his four major appearances over the past three years, and this latest withdrawal will raise questions about whether he will be able to get through a major in the spring or summer.
Woods finished the first round 1-over par. At the time of Woods’ withdrawal, golfers were chasing leader Patrick Cantlay (10 under).