Renowned golfer Tiger Woods has made the difficult decision to withdraw from the Genesis Invitational in Pacific Palisades, Calif. on Feb. 16 due to an illness. On the second round of the tournament, Woods, who was also hosting the event at the Riviera Country Club, left on a golf cart, sparking concerns among fans and officials alike.
PGA official Mark Dusbabek later revealed that early reports attributed his departure to an illness, as reported by NBC News. According to a statement from his manager Rob McNamara, Woods began experiencing “flu-like symptoms” and dehydration after the round on Feb. 15. It was disclosed that he had a fever, felt dizzy while walking and playing, and was subsequently treated with an IV bag. However, McNamara clarified that the ailment was not a physical injury and assured everyone that Woods’ back was fine.
Just a day prior, Woods was seen in high spirits during a preview event alongside Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen. He was photographed smiling on the course and even made a pit stop at an In-N-Out booth to grab a double-double cheeseburger after the eighth hole. This unexpected turn of events came as a surprise, especially after Woods’ return to the sport following leg and ankle surgery in 2021.
Despite his recent recovery journey, Woods showed his resilience by returning to competition. His last appearance on the golf course was in December 2023 for the PNC Championship at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club in Orlando, Fla., where he tied for fifth place while playing with his 15-year-old son, Charlie.
Reflecting on the experience, Woods expressed his gratitude for being able to share the moment with his family. He cherished the opportunity to have his kids with him on the course and emphasized the significance of such experiences, particularly in light of the challenges posed by COVID-19. As the proud father of two, Woods underscored the special nature of being able to create such enduring memories with his loved ones.
Tiger Woods’ indefatigable spirit and love for the game have been evident throughout his career, and his recent setback serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of sports. As he focuses on recuperating from his illness, fans and well-wishers are undoubtedly rooting for his swift recovery and eagerly awaiting his return to the golfing world.
Woods’ withdrawal from the Genesis Invitational may have been unexpected, but his long-standing presence in the sport and his unwavering determination continue to inspire countless individuals around the world. As he takes this time to prioritise his health, there is no doubt that the golfing community stands in solidarity with him, eagerly awaiting the day when he will once again grace the greens with his unparalleled talent.