One-over-par 72 and a Shank to End the Round
Tiger Woods made his long-awaited return to competitive PGA Tour action on Thursday at the Genesis Invitational. The 15-time major winner, who is limited to a restricted schedule due to his serious leg injuries from a car accident in 2021, had not played in a PGA Tour event since December.
Woods, the host of the event at Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles, carded a one-over-par 72. His round included five birdies and six bogeys, showcasing his skill but also highlighting some inconsistencies. However, the highlight (or lowlight) of his round came on the final hole.
Dealing with back spasms for the last three holes, Woods experienced a shank on the 18th hole. After finding the fairway, his second shot veered dramatically to the right into the trees, traveling a mere 71 yards. This left him with a challenging 109-yard approach to the green.
Despite the mishap, Woods managed to salvage a closing bogey, finishing the round eight shots behind early leader Patrick Cantlay. Reflecting on the shank, Woods admitted that it had been a while since he had made such an error from a similar position.
Back Spasms and the Challenges of Competitive Golf
Woods revealed that he was dealing with back spasms during the final stretch of his round. He attributed these spasms, in part, to the shank on the 18th hole. He acknowledged the difficulties of preparing for a return to competitive golf after a prolonged absence.
“I rely so much on experience and having done this a long time, but still having the adrenaline dump in the system, ball goes further, speed goes up, just the yardages are a little bit different than they are at home,” Woods explained.
For Woods, the Genesis Invitational is an important event organized by the Tiger Woods Foundation. As a Signature Event on the PGA Tour, it offers increased prize purses and FedEx Cup points. The tournament features many of the world’s top-ranked players, including all of the top 10, except for new LIV Golf recruit Jon Rahm.
Chasing his First PGA Tour Win since 2019
Woods, who last won a PGA Tour event in October 2019, is eager to secure another victory. Since his ankle surgery in April 2023, he has been gradually returning to competition. In his first tournament in eight months at the Hero World Challenge, he finished 18th out of a 20-player field. He then participated in the PNC Championship in December, teaming up with his son Charlie to finish tied-fifth out of 20 teams.
The 48-year-old golfer aims to play in one tournament per month this year. With his determination and experience, Woods remains a force to be reckoned with on the PGA Tour.
Source: CNN