Back in Action
Tiger Woods made his long-awaited return to competitive PGA Tour action on Thursday at the Genesis Invitational. The 15-time major winner, who has been limited to a restricted schedule due to serious leg injuries sustained in a car accident last year, last played in a PGA Tour event in December.
A Mixed Round
Woods shot a one-over-par 72 in his first round back, carding five birdies and six bogeys at the Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles. However, his round ended on a sour note with a huge shank on the 18th hole.
Dealing with Back Spasms
After the round, Woods revealed that he battled with back spasms during the final three holes. This discomfort likely contributed to the wayward shot on the 18th hole, where his second swing veered into the trees, traveling just 71 yards.
A Tricky Finish
With his ball deep in the trees, Woods faced a challenging 109-yard approach to the green. Despite the setback, he managed to recover and two-putt for a closing bogey. This left him eight shots behind early leader Patrick Cantlay.
Reflecting on the Round
Speaking about his performance, Woods acknowledged that it had been a while since he last shanked a shot from a similar position. He also highlighted the difficulties of preparing for a return to competitive golf, emphasizing the differences in adrenaline, ball flight, and overall conditions compared to practice sessions at home.
Pursuing Victory
The Genesis Invitational, organized by the Tiger Woods Foundation, features many of the PGA Tour’s top players. Woods, eager to secure his first PGA Tour win since October 2019, is determined to make his mark in the tournament. Despite his recent injuries and limited schedule, Woods remains focused and determined to reclaim his winning form.
Looking Ahead
Woods, who underwent ankle surgery in April 2023, made a steady return to competitive golf in December. He finished 18th in a 20-player field at the Hero World Challenge before teaming up with his son Charlie for the PNC Championship, where they finished tied-fifth. Woods has set his sights on playing in one tournament per month this year.