Woods withdraws from Genesis after mother’s death, ‘I’m just not ready’

Tiger Woods Withdraws from Genesis Invitational Following Mother’s Passing

Feb 10 (Reuters) – Tiger Woods has decided to delay his PGA Tour season debut, announcing on Monday that he is withdrawing from this week’s Genesis Invitational at Torrey Pines as he continues to process the recent passing of his mother.

The tournament, originally set for Pacific Palisades but relocated to San Diego due to the Los Angeles wildfires, will begin on February 13—just nine days after Woods lost his mother.

“I planned to tee it up this week, but I’m just not ready. I did my best to prepare, knowing it’s what my Mom would have wanted, but I’m still processing her loss,” Woods, 49, shared in a post on X. “Thanks to everyone who has reached out. I hope to be at Torrey later in the week and appreciate the continued kindness since my Mom’s passing.”

Woods, who has played a limited schedule since his February 2021 car accident, acknowledged in December that he was not yet “tournament sharp.” His last official PGA Tour appearance was at the British Open in July, where he missed the cut.

Since then, Woods underwent lower back surgery in September, played alongside his son in a relaxed 36-hole event in December, and participated twice last month in the indoor team golf league he co-founded.

The Genesis Invitational, a PGA Tour Signature Event with a $20 million purse, benefits Woods’ TGR Foundation. While he won’t be competing, Woods expressed hope that he might still make an appearance at the tournament later in the week.