LOS ANGELES – Tiger Woods confirmed on Friday he will play in the next PGA Tour event in Los Angeles, marking his return to competitive golf after a seven-month absence as he recovers from injuries suffered in a 2021 car crash.
The former world No. 1, whose appearances have been limited in the past two years since the accident that left him with severe leg injuries, last played at the British Open in July.
Writing on Twitter on Friday, Woods, 47, said he plans to play at the Feb 16-19 Genesis Invitational tournament at Riviera Country Club, which he hosts and benefits his charitable foundation.
“I’m ready to play an ACTUAL PGA Tour event next week @thegenesisinv,” he tweeted.
He did not play in 2021 following his accident, which required several operations and drastically restricted his mobility. However, he made a stunning comeback at the Masters in Augusta in 2022, finishing in 47th place.
The American returned to play in the PGA Championship in May but withdrew after 54 holes following a third-round 79. He played again at the British Open at St Andrews, where he missed the cut.
Woods – who won the last of his 15 Majors at the 2019 Masters – had hoped to make his PGA Tour return at the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas last December.
He abandoned those plans after developing plantar fasciitis – typically causing stabbing pain in the bottom of the foot near the heel – in his right foot, leaving him struggling to walk.
He did play in The Match, a 12-hole exhibition event in December, as well as the PNC Championship, a low-key event, alongside his son Charlie.
In November, Woods indicated that he expects to compete in a limited schedule for the rest of his career. “The goal is to play just the Major championships and maybe one or two more. That’s it,” he said at the time. “I mean, that’s physically, that’s all I can do.”
Fans will be eagerly anticipating his return following the conclusion of the Phoenix Open this weekend.
Defending champion Scottie Scheffler fired seven birdies in a seven-under 64 on Friday and has a two-shot clubhouse lead over Jon Rahm as both chase Rory McIlroy’s No. 1 ranking at TPC Scottsdale.
World No. 2 Scheffler was on 10-under total of 132 with Spain’s third-ranked Rahm his nearest rival in the clubhouse after a 66 for 134. Rahm said: “I hit a lot of great tee shots out there today. A lot of good iron shots that didn’t end up in great spots.”
Overnight co-leader Adam Hadwin of Canada was eight-under through 10 holes when darkness halted play. AFP
