Tiger Woods announced on Monday that he will not compete in this week’s Genesis Invitational at Torrey Pines, citing that he is “just not ready” following the recent passing of his mother, Kultida Woods.
Woods, a 15-time major champion, had planned to make his first professional appearance in seven months at the event, which he also hosts. His decision to withdraw comes just days after revealing the heartbreaking news of his mother’s death last week.
The 49-year-old golf legend has battled numerous health challenges in recent years, including persistent back issues and leg injuries from a 2021 car crash. His last PGA Tour start was at The Open Championship in July, following a 60th-place finish at the Masters and missed cuts in the remaining majors of 2023.
Woods had shown signs of a return, playing alongside his son, Charlie, in December’s PNC Championship and participating in the TGL indoor simulator league he co-founded with Rory McIlroy.
While Woods has a storied history at Torrey Pines—where he famously won the 2008 U.S. Open on a broken leg—this year’s Genesis Invitational was relocated from its usual spot at Riviera Country Club due to the impact of recent wildfires in the Pacific Palisades area.
Fans worldwide will undoubtedly send their support to Woods as he navigates this personal loss, with hopes of seeing him return to the course when he’s ready.
