PACIFIC PALISADES (Calif.) – When and where will Tiger Woods next play?
Tiger Woods is the only person who can be certain, and he’s keeping his cards close to his vest.
He shot 1-under 283 on Sunday and finished T-45 at Genesis Invitational. This basically meant that he would repeat the same things he said for nearly a year, and the same message he sent pre-tournament. He’s unlikely to be able play the majors and sprinkle in some tournaments.
“Here’s the deal: I won’t play more than the majors, maybe a few more. Woods stated that this is all his body can allow him to do. My back is the same as it was before all the surgeries. I can’t even move my leg. This is my future. My intention was to get all four majors last year, and I managed to get three. I hope to be able to get all four, with a few extras here and there. That’s all for the rest. That’s what I know and understand. This is just my reality.
Before they went live, there was an interesting exchange between Amanda Renner, CBS’s interviewer, and Tiger. She suggested that Tiger would be eligible for the FedEx Cup in July if he played well at majors. Tiger chuckled, as if to suggest that he was a fat chance.
Woods has won the Arnold Palmer Invitational eight times. The event, which is now worth $20 million, will be held in just two weeks. However, it would seem that Woods can make a swift turnaround. Woods walked 72 holes, played 16 in the Wednesday pro-am, and his limp became more noticeable each day.
He said, “It’s progress. It’s headed in the right direction.” It was definitely more difficult than I thought. My team has been amazing in helping me get my body back to normal and getting me ready for each day.
Tiger Woods looks at his shot after he played it onto the third green from the bunker during The Genesis Invitational golf tournament. (Photo by Gary A. Vasquez – USA TODAY Sports
Woods could show up at a Florida event. The Players Championship is the Tour’s flagship event. TPC Sawgrass has a flat course. It would be a great honor for Commissioner Jay Monahan to have the biggest draw in this field. Woods is a twice-winner of the event, so it would be a good idea to get some more reps before the Masters. Woods would have three weeks to rest and prepare for Augusta National’s most difficult walk of the year.
“That’s what I can’t do at home. He explained that even if you play four days at home, it doesn’t feel like adrenaline. It’s not the intensity or the focus required to play at that level. “It doesn’t matter how much I practice at it at home. But it’s not the same as going out there and actually doing it.
Woods nearly won the Valspar Championship in Palm Harbor in 2018 after his return from back surgery. It would be strange for Woods to choose Innisbrook’s Copperhead Course over the Players. And it is doubtful that Woods will consider playing two weeks consecutively.
Woods showed many positive signs at Riviera. As long as he is able to make a full recovery, there are every reason for us to believe that he will pursue his sixth Green Jackets and 16 career major at Augusta National. Woods stated that the body can say no, even if the mind says yes.
Woods shocked many last year when he made his debut after his February 2021 car accident. He can only play as much as he can due to injuries to his right ankle, leg, and back. Tiger’s presence on the field adds an additional layer of intrigue. Let’s hope Woods surprises himself and that the body is able and willing to take one more shot before the Masters.
