Tiger Woods withdraws due to illness in first PGA Tour start since April

LOS ANGELES – Tiger Woods withdrew from the second round of the Genesis Invitational at Riviera Country Club on Feb 16 due to illness, bringing an abrupt end to the 15-time Major champion’s first PGA Tour start since last April’s US Masters.

He was one over after six holes and had just teed off at the par-four seventh hole when he decided to call it quits and was then carted away by a rules official with his head buried in his hands.

The 48-year-old Woods, who is also serving as tournament host this week, dealt with back spasms in the first round on Feb 15, when he finished eight shots behind the leader and in a share of 49th place after a one-over 72.

“He started feeling some flu-like symptoms last night. Woke up this morning, they were worse than the night previous,” Woods’ business partner and close friend Rob McNamara said.

“He had a bit of a fever and was better during the warm-up, but then he started feeling dizzy. Doctors said he’s got some type of flu and he was dehydrated. He’s been treated with an IV bag and he’s doing better.

“Not physical at all,” McNamara added. “His back is fine. It was all medical illness, dehydration.”

That opening round included Woods hitting a rare shank on his approach shot at the final hole, which he later blamed on back spasms.

Meanwhile, Patrick Cantlay opened up a five-shot cushion at the event with his second-round 65.

He led by one after 18 holes and began his second round by making a 14-foot eagle putt at the par-five first hole. He added four birdies down the stretch to get to 13-under 129.

“It’s a golf course I played so many times, I feel comfortable,” said Cantlay, a native of nearby Long Beach. “And it’s really nice to have a bunch of guys up from Virginia Country Club where I grew up just down the road. Being from southern California, like I said, it feels like a home game.”

Canadian Mackenzie Hughes fired a 65 to join Luke List (69) and Australian Jason Day (69) in a tie for second at eight under halfway through the third signature event of the 2024 season. Another Canadian, Corey Conners, is fifth at seven under after also posting a 65.

Will Zalatoris sank a hole-in-one at the par-three 14th hole, winning a new car for himself and one for his caddie as well. He shot a 70 to join Xander Schauffele (66) and Tom Hoge (70) in a tie at six under.

Jordan Spieth admitted to signing for the wrong score on Feb 16, as the former US Open champion was disqualified for the first time in his career. The former world No. 1 had signed at the end of the second round for a three on the par-three fourth hole when he had made a four. REUTERS