Golf icon Tiger Woods withdrew from the Genesis Invitational on Friday, citing an undisclosed illness after completing six holes of the second round. The 15-time major champion, who underwent surgery to fuse his right ankle in April 2023, found himself 2-over par through 36 holes and outside the projected cut line. This marked Woods’ first PGA Tour event of 2024 and only his seventh official event since sustaining severe leg injuries in a car crash back in February 2021.
The Genesis Invitational becomes the third tournament he’s withdrawn from out of the seven he’s played since the accident, including the current event and the 2022 PGA Championship. Back spasms troubled Woods during the first round, culminating in a surprising shank on his approach shot at the 18th hole. Despite his determination to push through, his health ultimately forced him to bow out of the competition. In December 2023, Woods had mentioned that playing in one tournament per month in 2024 would be a realistic goal as he continues his rehabilitation from injuries.
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The Genesis Invitational was highly anticipated as Woods’ debut for the 2024 season, particularly since he received a special exemption from the PGA Tour for this limited-field event. Woods expressed his love for competition and the camaraderie with fellow players but also acknowledged the possibility of reaching a point where retirement from the game might be necessary. Despite his stature as a 15-time major champion, Woods’ participation in official events has been limited since the 2021 car crash. However, with his sights set on playing at least one tournament per month in 2024, fans can anticipate seeing him back on the course in the near future.
