Tiger Woods was visibly upset as he withdrew this weekend
Tiger Woods Revealed Flu Was Behind Genesis Invitational Withdrawal
In early 2024, Tiger Woods spoke out about the mystery illness that forced him to withdraw from the Genesis Invitational, confirming that he had been battling the flu and was “resting and feeling better.”
The golf legend shared the reason he had to stop playing in the PGA Tour event, explaining that he fell ill with the flu and was unable to continue at the Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles. At the time, Woods, then 48, was making his first PGA Tour appearance of the year. Unfortunately, he managed to play only six holes on Friday before his condition worsened.
After hitting his ball on the seventh hole, he informed fellow players Justin Thomas and Gary Woodland that he couldn’t continue, and he rode back to the clubhouse in a golf cart. Fans feared it might be related to his past back issues, but his longtime business partner Rob McNamara clarified that Woods had been experiencing flu symptoms and required IV treatment.
On Saturday, Woods addressed the situation on X (formerly Twitter), saying:
“I would like to confirm that I had to withdraw from the Genesis Invitational 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 Genesis and all the fans for the support.”
Woods had finished his opening round at one-over-par with five birdies and six bogeys. He began experiencing back spasms during the round, notably hitting a shank on the 18th, but managed a remarkable recovery.
Although supporters were hopeful he could bounce back and make the cut, Woods struggled overnight with fever and dehydration. McNamara later stated, “His back was fine. It was all medical illness, dehydration… the symptoms were reversing after he received IV fluids.”
Doctors confirmed that Woods was battling influenza and dehydration. He was treated and later released in better condition.
This marked Woods’ return to the PGA Tour since withdrawing from The Masters in 2023. He had undergone ankle surgery following a 2021 car crash and was planning to compete selectively in key 2024 events, including the majors.
