Tiger Woods is back and PGA Tour players are buzzing
Tiger Woods has confirmed his comeback date on the PGA Tour and it isn’t just fans who are excited.
Tiger Woods raised many eyebrows and turned many heads during the WM Phoenix Open when he announced his return to competitive action on the PGA Tour.
Although the 2023 Genesis Invitational, a tournament hosted by his charity foundation, could be seen as the perfect comeback event, Woods’ announcement took golf fans and players by surprise.
As the competitors at TPC Scottsdale began to filter through the media zones after their second rounds, they were informed of the 15-time major champion’s return date.
“He’s playing Riv? Nice. Well, I didn’t know. Great to hear. Great to hear. After all, he’s gone through. It’s incredible that he keeps trying,” said Jon Rahm. “(I) Spoke to him in the Bahamas. Everything he had on his leg and then you add the plantar fasciitis. I really feel for him in that sense.”
“But I know he’s going to keep doing everything he can to still try to win more tournaments. Possibly get that 83rd win. Hopefully, obviously in his mind a major, right?
“So it’s a true honor for all of us. Any time Tiger can be present on the golf course playing makes the tournament even better. So I’m hoping he can play comfortably and I’m hoping he can play well.”
The Spaniard shared the fairways with Woods at the Masters in 2022 as the 47-year-old valiantly made the cut and completed four rounds at Augusta National.
“That’s awesome. I imagine we’ll be carrying him down the hill on 1 and up it on 18. Which no one would mind. But it’s awesome. I’m really glad he’s back,” joked Max Homa in Arizona. “I think we’re privileged any time he plays now.
“Obviously we don’t know his schedule. Seems like he’s going to try to play the majors. So it’s really awesome he’s playing a Tour event.
“Especially his event. One of my favorites. So I’m stoked to see him back out there. Yeah, he’s always remarkable. You never know what he’s going to do. So it will be fun to watch him play some golf.”
Homa was privileged enough to be grouped with Woods as he waved goodbye to the St Andrews crowd for what was likely the final time at St Andrews at last year’s 150th Open Championship.
“I think it’s great for the game. As a player, even me a big fan of Tiger, it’s going to be awesome for him to be in the field. Hopefully, I can kind of work myself up and hopefully play with him if I get the chance,” Tom Kim added.
Tour players, no matter how successful in their own right, become fans like us when Woods is mentioned or stands in their presence. Many of them have somewhat become students, and indeed friends, to the legendary golfer.
There was a hint of irony in Woods’ announcement as he told his 6.6 million Twitter followers that he would play in an “ACTUAL PGA Tour event” at Riviera Country Club.
It will be his first appearance in a non-major event since the ZOZO Championship in 2020. He has played in the PNC Championship with his son Charlie since then, but it seems the hit-and-giggles are over for the time being.
Although 23 of the top 25 players in the world will be battling it out in Los Angeles, Woods brings an aura that attracts the fandom and buzz that no other player can match.
Can Tiger Woods win the Genesis Invitational this week?! Tweet me and let me know!
Matt Chivers
Now on the wrong side of 25, Matt has been playing golf since the age of 13 and was largely inspired to take up the game by countless family members who played golf during his childhood.
Matt is a member at Royal Cinque Ports in Deal playing off a 5 handicap, just a pitching wedge away from his hometown of Dover where he went to school and grew up. He has previously been a member at Etchinghill and Walmer and Kingsdown in Kent.
Having studied history at the University of Liverpool, Matt went on to pass his NCTJ Exams in Manchester a year later to fulfil his lifelong ambition of becoming a journalist. He picked up work experience along the way at places such as the Racing Post, the Independent, Sportsbeat and the Lancashire Evening Post.
Matt joined NCG in February 2023 and is the website’s main source of tour news, features and opinion. He has reported live from events such as The Open, the Ryder Cup and The Players Championship, having also interviewed and spent time with some of the biggest names in the sport.
Consuming tour golf on what is a 24/7 basis, you can come to Matt for informed views on the game and the latest updates on the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, LPGA Tour, Ladies European Tour and LIV Golf.
What’s in Matt’s bag: Cobra LTDx LS driver, Cobra LTDx 3-wood, TaylorMade P7MC irons, Ping Glide 4.0 wedges, Odyssey putter.
