Tiger Woods has announced he will not play at this week’s Genesis Invitational, the tournament he hosts.
Woods’ mother Kultida passed away last week, with the former world No 1 expressing his “heartfelt sadness” when announcing the news on social media.
On Monday, Woods, who had been set to make his first PGA Tour appearance of the year at Torrey Pines, said in a statement on X: “I planned to tee it up this week, but I’m just not ready.
“I did my best to prepare, knowing it’s what my mom would have wanted, but I’m still processing her loss.
“Thanks to everyone who has reached out. I hope to be at Torrey later in the week and appreciate the continued kindness since my mom’s passing.”
Woods’ last official tournament appearance came at The Open at Royal Troon last July, when he missed the cut for the third consecutive major.
The Los Angeles Golf Club, featuring Collin Morikawa, Justin Rose and Sahith Theegala defeated the Jupiter Links Golf Club, made up of Woods, Max Homa and Kevin Kisner
After undergoing another surgery, this time on his lower back in September, the 49-year-old has since played alongside his son, Charlie, at the PNC Championship just before Christmas and made two appearances in the new TGL tournament, the indoor golf league that he co-founded.
Woods’ place at Torrey Pines has been taken by American countryman Jake Knapp, who won for the first time on the PGA Tour at last year’s Mexico Open.
Tiger Woods praised his son Charlie Woods on making a hole-in-one at the PNC Championship, saying it’s one of the highlights the duo have ever had.
The Genesis Invitational, which has been moved from its usual course at the Riviera Country Club to San Diego due to the Los Angeles wildfires, is the year’s third Signature Event on the PGA Tour – tournaments which feature limited fields and increased prize money.
Woods’ most recent non-major appearance had come at 2024’s Genesis Invitational, when he withdrew mid-way through his second round due to the effects of the flu.
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He has made only 11 competitive starts since his career-threatening car crash in February 2021, with the 82-time PGA Tour victor failing to make the weekend at three of last year’s four majors.
This week’s Torrey Pines field includes 46 of the top 50-ranked players, including world No 1 Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy and defending champion Hideki Matsuyama. Live coverage of all four days is on Sky Sports Golf.
Don’t miss The Genesis Invitational at Torrey Pines on Sky Sports Golf this week. Watch early coverage live from 5.30pm on Thursday ahead of full coverage at 8pm. Get Sky Sports or stream with no contract on NOW.
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