Sad news: Tiger Woods has been forced to withdraw early from the PGA Tour restart due to the following reasons!
Tiger Woods made an eventful return to competitive golf on Thursday at the Genesis Invitational, scoring five birdies but recording six bogeys, an encouraging start to the year for the 48-year-old, who has been dealing with foot and ankle problems since a serious car accident three years ago. Now Woods faces a new setback: He abruptly ended his participation in the foundation-sponsored event on Friday, declining the Genesis Invitational.
Woods’ fans had hoped to see the golf legend just get healthy enough to compete despite his days of dominance being well behind him. As the year’s majors approach, Woods’ withdrawal raises more questions about which events he will be able to compete in going forward.
Here’s a look at what forced Woods out of the Genesis Invitational on Friday. Woods withdrew from the Genesis Open due to an illness. It is unclear what symptoms Woods experienced before calling it a day. Woods was caught on camera being taken off the course in a cart before officially finishing. Woods’ representatives said later Friday that the 48-year-old had flu-like symptoms that began Thursday evening, including fever and dizziness.
He was treated with an IV and has no other physical problems. Woods confirmed on Saturday that he had to withdraw for the flu.
“I have a rest and feel better,” Woods said in his tweet. “I wish the players the best of luck this weekend. I’m disappointed I can’t compete, but I appreciate the support from Genesis USA and all the fans.”
There’s some relief regarding Woods’ future participation, knowing he’s just battling an illness. Woods has suffered from back and ankle problems for years, and after Thursday’s round he said back spasms forced him to tee off on the 18th hole.
Friday’s decision means Woods has withdrawn from each of his last two PGA Tour starts within 10 months of each other. Genesis Invitational was his first official PGA Tour event since 2023, where he also suppressed difficult weather conditions.
Woods underwent an ankle operation a few days after leaving the masters. In the past three years, Woods has withdrawn from two of the four major performances, and this last departure asks if he can pass through a major in spring or summer.
Woods graduated from the first round 1. When Woods left, the golfers were trailing leader Patrick Cantlay (minus-10).
