Tiger Woods has postponed his highly anticipated PGA Tour return, announcing his withdrawal from the Genesis Invitational just days before the event. The golf icon, still mourning the recent passing of his mother, Kultida Woods, revealed that he simply isn’t ready to compete.
Woods, 49, shared the emotional news on X (formerly Twitter), expressing his deep grief while thanking fans for their overwhelming support.
Woods: “I’m Still Processing Her Loss”
The 15-time major champion had every intention of playing this week but ultimately made the difficult decision to step back.
“I was planning to play this week, but I’m not ready,” Woods wrote. “I’ve done everything I can to prepare, knowing it’s what my mother would have wanted, but I’m still processing her loss.”
Despite withdrawing, Woods plans to be present at Torrey Pines later this week, showing appreciation for those who have supported him during this difficult time.
“Thank you to everyone who has reached out to me. I look forward to being in Torrey later this week and appreciate the continued kindness since my mother’s passing.”
Another Setback in Woods’ Limited Schedule
Woods has played an extremely limited schedule in recent years, largely due to injuries stemming from his near-fatal 2021 car accident. His most recent official PGA Tour appearance came at the British Open in July, where he missed the cut.
Since then, Woods has:
✔ Undergone back surgery in September 2023.
✔ Played in a relaxed 36-hole event with his son, Charlie, in December.
✔ Competed in two TGL matches last month in his co-founded indoor golf league.
Before his withdrawal, expectations were high for Woods’ Genesis Invitational appearance. While he admitted in December that he was “not tournament ready yet,” many believed Torrey Pines—one of his most dominant courses—could mark the start of his 2024 comeback.
A Career Unlike Any Other
Even though his playing schedule has been sporadic, Woods’ impact on golf remains immeasurable.
🏆 110 professional victories
🏆 15 major championships
🏆 A record 683 weeks as World No. 1
🏆 The only golfer to win all four modern-era majors in a single year (2000-2001)
🏆 Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient (2019)
What’s Next for Tiger?
While it’s unclear when Woods will return to competition, one thing is certain—his legendary career isn’t over yet.
For now, Woods will continue to grieve, spending time with those closest to him. But when he does step back onto the course, the entire sports world will be watching.
