Tiger Woods to join Rory McIlroy, Justin Thomas at Genesis Invitational

Tiger Woods explains decision to return to play Genesis Invitational (FULL PRESSER) | Golf Channel

On Thursday, Tiger Woods will play alongside World No. 1 Rory McIlroy and Justin Thomas at the Genesis Invitational at Riviera Golf Course. The Genesis Open will be his first competitive golf appearance in almost two years.

Woods was involved in a single-car accident in Southern California in 2021. He required immediate life-saving surgery, during which he came dangerously close to losing his leg. After that, he endured a rigorous rehabilitation program, which he described as more painful than anything he had ever experienced.

Woods said that the past year, from “this week at Genesis last year to where it is now,” had been very turbulent. Although he insisted that participating in this tournament had always been the plan, Woods admitted that he was out of practice. He has yet to attempt the challenging feat of walking 18 holes on four consecutive golf days for a long time.

Regardless, the 2019 Masters Tournament winner said he had made significant improvements over the past few months and was prepared to compete. When asked about his chances against a field that includes LIV rebels, Woods was as confident as usual.

Woods said he was excited to “compete and play with these guys,” adding that he would not have put himself out there unless he could “beat these guys and win the event.” He knew he could be “rusty,” but he had been in “rusty situations before and has done well.”

Regardless of the outcome, it’s unlikely that the 47-year-old will play another round until the Masters Tournament in April.

PGA TOUR

2023-02-14 20:08

Thursday tee times @TheGenesisInv 🤩 10:24 a.m. ET Rahm Cantlay Hovland 10:35 a.m. ET Finau Horschel Scott 10:46 a.m. ET Homa Kim Schauffele 3:04 p.m. ET McIlroy Thomas Woods 3:15 p.m. ET Scheffler Spieth Morikawa 3:26 p.m. ET Rose Matsuyama Lowry (Presented by @ROLEX) https://t.co/yA1I3iHxqZ

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In anticipation of the day when Woods retires from competitive golf, he has no plans to be an ambassador on the course.

“There will come a point in time when my body will not allow me to [compete] anymore, and it’s probably sooner rather than later,” Woods said. “But wrapping my head around that transition and being the ambassador role and just trying to be out here with the guys, no.

“That’s not in my DNA. … I’m here to get that W.”