Withdrawing from the Genesis Invitational was disappointing but understandable. Now, all eyes are on Tiger Woods’ next move—will he wait until Augusta, or will he sneak in a return before The Masters?
Tiger Woods was set to make his first PGA Tour appearance of 2025 at the Genesis Invitational, an event he hosts and has long been associated with. However, Woods pulled out last minute, leaving fans wondering when they’ll see him next on the course.
Why Did Woods Withdraw?
Unlike many of his past withdrawals, this one wasn’t about injury or fitness—it was personal. Woods recently lost his mother, and given the emotional weight of that loss, playing at Riviera was simply too soon.
For a player who has endured multiple career-threatening injuries, countless surgeries, and a near-fatal car crash, the mental and emotional toll can be just as heavy as the physical one.
Will Woods Play Before The Masters?
While some assume Woods won’t return until Augusta, golf analyst Taylor Zarzour believes there’s one tournament that could lure him back early: The Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass.
“I wonder if we don’t see him play competitive golf until The Masters. But I would think he would like to play The Players… If history is any indicator, he won’t. He hasn’t played there in six years.”
The Players Championship, scheduled for March 14-17, is often dubbed “the fifth major” and is one of the biggest non-major tournaments in golf.
Zarzour believes Woods’ playing style in recent years actually suits TPC Sawgrass better than most courses.
“In the last five or six years, he has become an exceptional target golfer. And the TPC Sawgrass Stadium Course is the ultimate point-to-point golf course. It requires precision on every shot, and he’s very good at that.”
Woods’ History at The Players Championship
Woods has played The Players Championship 19 times, winning twice and never missing the cut.
🔹 Wins: 2
🔹 Runner-ups: 1
🔹 Top 10 Finishes: 5
🔹 Missed Cuts: 0
🔹 Withdrawals: 2
However, he hasn’t played at Sawgrass since 2019, making it unlikely he’ll suddenly add it to his schedule.
The Most Likely Scenario: Masters or Bust?
Over the past few years, Woods has stuck to a strict, limited schedule—mostly focused on majors. In 2024, he only played Genesis and the four majors, and it wouldn’t be shocking if he followed a similar path this season.
Woods himself has admitted that his body can no longer handle the grinding PGA Tour schedule. Courses that require power golf—like Bay Hill and Torrey Pines—might be too much for his surgically rebuilt body.
However, The Masters is different. Augusta National is a course Woods knows better than anyone, and the ability to ride in a cart during pre-tournament rounds allows him to manage his health leading up to the event.
When Will Tiger Woods Play Again?
While a pre-Masters return isn’t out of the question, the safest bet is The Masters itself (April 11-14, 2025).
That said, if Woods wants a tune-up event before Augusta, The Players Championship is the only realistic option.