Golf fans have been eager to see Tiger Woods back on the PGA Tour. He was slated for return at the Genesis Invitational last month, but withdrew following the passing of his mother, Kultida Woods.
Since that time, Tiger has played in multiple matches in his tech-infused golf league, the TGL (Tomorrow Golf League). But that is not the same as playing 72 holes against a PGA Tour field.
Woods was seen walking 18 with his caddie, Lance Bennett, on Monday at Seminole Golf Club. That spurred some hope that Woods may make his return at next week’s PLAYERS Championship.
But little to no detail about what he did at Seminole surfaced. That changed on Friday as NBC golf announcer Brad Faxon provided some detail.
“Tiger drove it out there with Keegan on every shot. He walked all 18 holes there was not even a limp. He’s certainly in condition to play…. “Hopefully for us at NBC and all fans he plays the PLAYERS Championship.”
That would universally make everyone happy.
Is Tiger Woods Ready for a PGA Tour Return?
Tiger Woods broke the internet when he miraculously won the 2019 Masters Tournament. His walk up 18 that Sunday is etched in golf fans’ minds forever.
Yet, we want more. We always want more. That is because Tiger is still the biggest name in the sport, maybe ever. He is the needle, as Patrick Cantlay said recently.
But since capturing his fifth Green Jacket, Woods has dealt with injury after injury. That culminated in Tiger’s tragic car accident in 2021. The wreck prompted several surgeries to his lower extremities, leaving the question of how can he hold up walking a course over four rounds?
He has played a few matches on his virtual golf league, the TGL (Tomorrow Golf League). But that is not much of an indicator on whether or not his body can hold up for 72 holes.
Prior to the Genesis Invitational, Woods acknowledged his plans to play more on Tour this year. It would be very surprising if we did not see him play a tournament prior to The Masters.
So, will it be The PLAYERS? We will all know soon enough.
