Tiger Woods had an up-and-down return to competitive golf on Thursday, sinking five birdies but posting six bogeys at the Genesis Invitational. For a 48-year-old who has battled leg and ankle troubles since a serious car crash three years ago, it was ultimately an encouraging start to the year. Now, Woods faces another setback.
Woods withdrew from the Genesis Invitational on Friday, abruptly ending his run at the event hosted by his foundation.
Woods' fans had hoped to see the golf legend just get healthy enough to compete despite his days of dominance being well behind him. As the year's majors approach, Woods' withdrawal raises more questions about which events he will be able to compete in going forward.
Here's a look at what forced Woods out of the Genesis Invitational on Friday.
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Why did Tiger Woods withdraw from the Genesis Invitational?
Woods withdrew from the Genesis Open due to an illness. It isn't clear what symptoms Woods was dealing with before his day ended.
Cameras captured Woods being driven off the course in a cart before he officially called it a day.
📺 Sad scenes as Tiger Woods has to withdraw from the #GenesisInvitational
— BETDAQ (@BETDAQ) February 16, 2024
pic.twitter.com/1I3uHk08jP
Woods' representatives said later Friday that the 48-year-old was dealing with flu-like symptoms that began Thursday night, including a fever and dizziness. He was treated with an IV bag and is not dealing with any other physical issues.
Rob McNamara gives details on the Tiger Woods withdrawal. Was treated with an IV bag.
— Dan Rapaport (@Daniel_Rapaport) February 16, 2024
Flu-like symptoms. Fever. Dizzy. Dehydrated. "Some type of flu."
Says not physical at all and that his back is fine. pic.twitter.com/iz1ceQzCf7
Woods confirmed on Saturday that he had to withdraw due to the flu.
"I am resting and feeling better," Woods said in his tweet. "Good luck to the players this weekend. I’m disappointed to not be there and want to thank Genesis USA and all the fans for the support."
I would like to confirm that I had to withdraw from @thegenesisinv due to illness, which we now know is influenza. I am resting and feeling better. Good luck to the players this weekend. I’m disappointed to not be there and want to thank @GenesisUSA and all the fans for the…
— Tiger Woods (@TigerWoods) February 17, 2024
That Woods is only dealing with an illness is a bit of a relief concerning his availability going forward. Woods has dealt with back and ankle issues for a handful of years, and he said after Thursday's round that back spasms led him to shank a shot on the 18th hole.
Friday's decision means Woods has now withdrawn from each of his past two PGA Tour starts, 10 months apart. The Genesis Invitational was his first official PGA Tour event since the 2023 Masters, where he also withdrew in challenging weather conditions. Woods underwent ankle surgery days after exiting the Masters.
Woods has withdrawn from two of his four major appearances over the past three years, and this latest withdrawal will raise questions about whether he will be able to get through a major in the spring or summer.
Woods finished the first round 1-over par. At the time of Woods' withdrawal, golfers were chasing leader Patrick Cantlay (10 under).