Tiger Woods isn’t playing in this year’s Genesis Invitational, with the 15-time Major winner still recovering from the back surgery he underwent in October.
Despite that, he is still very much a part of the Riviera Country Club tournament as its host, and he made his way to the CBS broadcast booth during the third round, where he discussed a range of issues with Jim Nantz and Trevor Immelman.
One of the big questions on everyone’s lips is just when we might see Woods in action again, with the 50-year-old’s last competitive appearance, a handful of TGL starts aside, coming at the 2024 Open.
As well as his latest surgery, Woods has also had to deal with recovery from surgery on his Achilles since the Royal Troon Major, as well as the death of his mother Kultida, which have all contributed to his long absence.
However, there are hints he may not be far away from a return. In his pre-tournament press conference, Woods was asked if an appearance at April’s Masters was off the table, and raised hopes by responding with a simple, “No.”
Tiger Woods didn’t rule out a return at The Masters in his pre-tournament press conference
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With that tantalising prospect still alive, it was little wonder that the subject came up during his conversation with Nantz and Immelman.
First, Woods confirmed he would be in the area to open a new layout he has designed at Augusta Municipal Golf Course, renamed The Patch, but also that he would be at Augusta National for the annual Champions Dinner.
He said: “I know I’ll be there. We’re going to open up The Patch and Trevor and I are going to be part of a great dinner.”
He remained noncommittal on his chances of teeing it up at Augusta National, but didn’t rule it out before hinting he could even play an event beforehand, saying: “I don’t know that. I don’t know. Whether it’s regular tour, senior tour or member guest, I don’t know.”
Tiger Woods hasn’t played competitively since the 2024 Open at Royal Troon
(Image credit: Getty Images)
It isn’t just Woods’ playing ambitions that are on his mind. He also chairs the PGA Tour’s Future Competition Committee, which was established last August to undertake a review of the current competitive model of the circuit and help shape its future.