Golf icon Tiger Woods announced this week that he will return to PGA Tour action at the 2024 Genesis Invitational in February, his first official tour start since withdrawing from the 2023 Masters Tournament last April due to injury. The news comes as welcome news for golf fans, signaling the return of one of the sport’s all-time greats to competition.
Summary
- Tiger Woods will play his first PGA Tour event of 2024 at the Genesis Invitational in February
- This will be his first official PGA Tour start since withdrawing from the 2023 Masters Tournament due to injury
- Woods had ankle surgery after the Masters and returned to play at the Hero World Challenge in December 2023
- At the Hero World Challenge, Woods said he plans to play about one tournament per month in 2024
- Woods’ schedule and ability to play depends on his surgically-repaired right ankle staying pain-free
The Genesis Invitational, which Woods hosts at the Riviera Country Club in California, holds special meaning for the 15-time major winner. The event hosted by his foundation provides funding for his TGR Foundation, which promotes education and inclusion through golf.
Woods’ return to Riviera also marks his first PGA Tour start since the 2023 Masters, where he withdrew after the second round due to complications from right ankle surgery he underwent following the tournament.
The ankle injury has severely limited Woods’ ability to compete over the past two years. However, he took a significant step in his recovery in December when he played the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas. Though he finished middle of the pack at that event, Woods said afterwards that he felt good enough to target playing one tournament per month in 2024.
“I’m excited to be back at Riviera and kick off this year’s tournament schedule,” Woods said this week on social media. “My leg and ankle feel much better after surgery last year and some rest.”
Excited to be a playing host next week @thegenesisinv pic.twitter.com/YvtJhe5DjB
— Tiger Woods (@TigerWoods) February 7, 2024
Now nearly a year removed from the operation, Woods will test his body’s resilience on the grueling Riviera layout, known as one of the PGA Tour’s toughest non-major venues. While he admits he is still regaining strength and mobility, Woods believes he can manage a limited schedule focused on peak events.
Beyond Genesis, golf fans can expect to see Woods contend at some of his favorite events later this spring assuming he avoids setbacks. The former world #1 has his sights set on tournaments like the Arnold Palmer Invitational, THE PLAYERS Championship, and the Masters in April.
For a player with over 80 PGA Tour victories and decades of sustained success, simply making cuts and finishing tournaments has to feel somewhat underwhelming for the ultra-competitive Woods. Yet considering the severe injuries he has overcome at an advanced age, his return to competition should be viewed as a major achievement.
While Woods is no longer the dominant force who reshape golf’s landscape years ago, the sport is infinitely more compelling when the legendary figure is playing.
His iconic swing remains etched into fans’ memories, his unfathomable career continues inspiring new generations, and his sheer willpower in overcoming odds serves a reminder that true greats can conjure magic well into the twilight of their careers.
As a fading superstar aiming to author one last memorable chapter for the ages, Tiger Woods has returned to claim stages he has so often owned. By resuming his run at Riviera in February, the iconic champion resumes his chase for more history – and fans will be riveted once again.
