Tiger Woods returns to PGA Tour: What to expect during latest comeback at Genesis Invitational | Golf News

Tiger Woods appears at the Genesis Invitational, his first competitive start since The Open in July and first non-major PGA Tour appearance since October 2020; Watch early Thursday coverage on Sky Sports Golf from 2.30pm

Tiger Woods makes his long-awaited return to PGA Tour action at this week’s Genesis Invitational, live on Sky Sports, and the sporting world rejoiced at the 15-time Major champion’s latest comeback.

Woods’ appearance at Riviera Country Club is his first non-big start on the PGA Tour since the Zozo Championship in October 2020, with the 47-year-old being part of a star-studded field that includes 23 of the top 25 players in the world and all contains the current top 30 of the FedExCup standings.

The five-time Masters champion made his comeback from leg and ankle injuries at Augusta National last April, 14 months after a career-threatening car accident, with Woods contesting the PGA Championship the following month before missing the cut at The 150th Open in July.

Woods has not made an official start since exiting early at St Andrews, where he was forced to deny rumors of a possible retirement from the sport, although he has competed with a cart in The Match and the PNC Championship – where he himself has teamed up with his son Charlie – in December.

The limited game schedule of recent years has seen Woods slip to world No. 1,294 while question marks remain over what to expect from the 82-time PGA Tour winner when he serves on Thursday.

How healthy is forest?

Woods was scheduled to compete in the Hero World Challenge in December, only for the tournament organizer to resign the week of the event due to plantar fasciitis in his right foot.

The inflammation affected Woods’ mobility and caused him not to finalize his 2023 schedule, suggesting he can “practice, just not walk,” ahead of December’s PNC Championships, before adding that he had his foot should heal.

Woods has not offered any updates on his injury status but previously explained he would only appear at events when he felt he could “compete at the highest level”, with world No. 3 Rahm being among those who look forward to seeing him in action again.

“Great to hear,” Rahm said Friday of Woods’ participation in the Genesis Invitational. “After everything he’s been through, it’s incredible that he keeps trying. Everything he had on his leg and then add in the plantar fasciitis – I really feel for him in that sense.

“I know he will continue to do whatever it takes to win even more tournaments and possibly get that 83rd win. It’s a true honor for all of us. Every time Tiger gets to play on the golf course, the tournament just gets better. So I hope he can play comfortably and I hope he can play well.”

Can Woods handle the Riviera Test?

Woods has always insisted he would never apply to use a golf cart at an official PGA Tour event, which means he’ll have to walk the significant elevation changes around the Riviera this week.

“I imagine we’re going to carry him down the hill at 1 and up at 18, which wouldn’t bother anyone,” joked Max Homa, winner of the 2021 Genesis Invitational. “But it’s awesome. I’m really glad he’s back. I think we’re privileged every time he plays now.

“Obviously we don’t know his schedule. It seems like he’s trying to play the majors, so it’s really great that he’s playing [PGA] Tour event – especially his event, one of my favorites. I’m thrilled to see him out there again. Yes, he’s always remarkable and you never know what he’s going to do. So it will be fun to watch him play golf.”

How did players react to the news?

Woods caused a stir on social media when he confirmed his return via Twitter on Friday, where he said he was ready to play a “real” PGA Tour event and many players at the WM Phoenix Open were excited about his comeback .

Former world No. 1 Jason Day said: This is great. That’s great. This is really good news. I’m actually very happy about that. It’s good that he’s out there, he can walk and it’s nice to see that. So yeah, I’m looking forward to seeing him – it’s going to be fun.”

Tom Kim equaled two Woods records by playing a 72-hole tournament without a bogey and became the youngest since him to win two PGA Tour titles before turning 21. The Presidents Cup star was looking forward to serving at an event with his idol.

“I think it’s great for the game,” said Kim. “As a player, even I am a big Tiger fan [Woods], it will be great for him to be on the field. Hopefully I can sort of work myself up and hopefully play with him when I get the chance.”

What is Tiger’s record of the event?

Woods has had a special affinity for Riviera since his PGA Tour debut as an amateur, when a fresh-faced 16-year-old announced himself to the world during the 1992 competition.

It’s a tournament and venue that has eluded him more than any other in his professional career, with Woods making 14 competitive appearances at the event – just 40 miles from his hometown of Cypress, California – without ever reaching the winners’ circle .

Woods missed the cut in his two appearances as an amateur but never finished outside the top 20 in his next eight visits – suffering the only playoff loss of his PGA Tour career when he was played elsewhere in 1998 before ending in a tie ended. Second behind Ernie Els a year later.

The former world No. 1 missed the cut on his return to the event in 2018, his first at the tournament since 2006, before finishing bottom of those who made the cut in 2020 after a 15th place finish a year later managed.

How can I see Tiger’s return?

Sky Sports will show extended coverage of all four rounds of the latest PGA Tour event at elevated levels, with early live coverage from 2:30pm Thursday and Friday and 5pm weekends on Sky Sports Golf.

Full coverage begins at 7pm on the first two rounds and 6pm on Saturday and Sunday, while select groups and select holes are available to Sky Glass, Sky Q and Sky Stream customers via the red button.

Watch the Genesis Invitational live on Sky Sports Golf throughout the week, while the DP World Tour’s Thailand Classic and the Ladies European Tour’s Aramco Saudi Ladies International are also part of the live triple header