Golf legend Eldrick Tont "Tiger" Woods announces return to PGA Tour at Genesis Invitational following a year's absence.
His announcement follows speculation regarding his golfing future after ending his partnership with Nike earlier this year.
The 15-time major champion last competed on the PGA Tour at the Masters in April 2023, where he withdrew after three rounds due to injury. The first time he was able to walk 72 holes since was in the Hero World Challenge (Dec 2023). He then partnered with his son, Charlie, for the PNC Championship two weeks afterwards. Both are not PGA Tour events.
Excited to be host next week
Tiger Woods
As such, the Genesis Invitational, which takes place from February 15-18, will mark Woods' first official competitive start since the Masters.
"Excited to be host next week," Woods wrote on Instagram, confirming his participation in the Genesis Invitational, an event that he's been hosting annually.
With a strong field expected for the event, golf fans are eager to see how Woods would fare after an extended break and following his Nike separation.
A New Chapter in Tiger's Career
The decision to return to the PGA Tour comes amid changes in Woods' professional life, including his split from Nike after 27 years. While details about his new clothing and equipment deals are not yet confirmed, fans eagerly anticipate what Woods will wear during his comeback.
"I'll be able to walk and play," Woods, 48, said in December, expressing optimism about his ability to return to the competitive golf scene.
In his last appearance at Riviera in 2023, Woods finished one under par and shared 45th place.
Previous to that, he claimed the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational title at Firestone Country Club in Ohio, his 82nd career PGA Tour win.
With 15 major championships and 82 PGA Tour victories under his belt, Woods remains a formidable force in the world of golf.
The Genesis Invitational boasts a strong field, including past champions Dustin Johnson, Bubba Watson, and Adam Scott. Other notable competitors include Collin Morikawa, Justin Thomas, Xander Schauffele, and Viktor Hovland.
Impact on the PGA Tour
Woods' return to competitive golf could have a significant impact on the PGA Tour, both on and off the course. His presence in events is likely to draw increased attention from fans and media. Additionally, his comeback may inspire younger players, offering motivation to strive for greatness in their own careers.
Beyond the Genesis Invitational, Woods has yet to announce any future tournament plans. The order of golf majors for this year is the PGA Championship in May, the US Open in June, and the British Open in July.
The golf world will be watching closely as he takes on the Genesis Invitational. Many golf enthusiasts are hopeful that Woods will continue his competitive play throughout the 2024 season and beyond.
As Woods embarks on this new chapter in his career, fans eagerly anticipate his return to form and his impact on the PGA Tour.
With Nike now out of the picture, fans are curious about who might partner with Tiger Woods moving forward in his career. Rumors have circulated regarding potential deals with other apparel and equipment companies, but nothing has been confirmed at this time.
Regardless of the specifics of his future partnerships, Tiger Woods' legacy in golf remains undeniable. His coming back to competitive play represents not only a personal milestone, but an opportunity to continue inspiring generations of golfers.