Tiger Woods to return in Genesis Invitational: Players react to 15-time major champion playing next week

Since the 2020 Zozo Championship, Tiger Woods has not competed in a regular PGA Tour event. That will change next week at the 2023 Genesis Invitational as a 47 year old. announced on Friday his inclusion in the field for the tournament. With PGA Tour Designated status like the 2023 WM Phoenix Open, many of those working for TPC Scottsdale will head to Los Angeles later in the week and reunite with the 15-time champion. at the Riviera Country Club. .

“Is he playing Reeve?” John Rahm asked, genuinely surprised. “Okay… After everything he’s been through. It’s unbelievable that he keeps trying. Spoke to him in the Bahamas. he’s going to keep doing his best to keep trying to win more tournaments. Perhaps win the 83rd victory. I hope it’s obvious what he’s thinking about the major, right? So it’s a real honor for all of us. Anytime the Tiger can be present for a game on the golf course makes the tournament even better. So I hope he can play comfortably and I hope he can play well.”

Woods has been stuck at 82 wins since his triumph at the aforementioned Zozo championship. On par with Sam Snead for the most wins in PGA Tour history, another trip to the winning lap is definitely on his to-do list. Although his history at the Riviera Country Club suggests that he may not take place next week, his participation is nonetheless encouraging in terms of future prospects.

“It’s amazing. I think we will carry him downhill at 1 and up at 18. And no one will mind,” said Genesis Invitational 2021 winner Max Homa. “But it’s amazing. I’m very glad he’s back. I think we are happy every time he plays now. Obviously we don’t know his schedule. He plays in the Tour tournament. Especially in his tournament. One of my favorite. So I’m thrilled to have him back there. Yes, he’s always great. You never know what he’s going to do. So it will be interesting to see him play some golf.”

In 2022, Woods only played nine competitive rounds between The Masters, PGA Championship and The Open. He was scheduled to compete in the Hero World Challenge last December, but ended up pulling out of the tournament due to plantar fasciitis. While remaining on the property, Woods mingled with competitors at charity contests earlier in the week and crossed paths with one of the sports’ biggest stars, Tom Kim.

“I think it’s great for the game,” Kim, 20, said. “As a player, even I am a big fan of Tiger, it would be great to have him on the pitch. I hope I can get some training and hopefully play him if I get the chance… played a few tournaments he was there but was never close to where he started.”