Tiger Woods has confirmed he will play in next week's Genesis Invitational at Torrey Pines, marking his first PGA Tour appearance since undergoing back surgery. The tournament, which benefits Woods' TGR Foundation, will be held at Torrey Pines instead of its usual location at Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades, California, due to the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles.
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Woods, a 15-time major champion, will be competing just nine days after the death of his mother, Kultida Woods, who passed away on Tuesday at the age of 80. The emotional return to competition will come after Woods had microdecompression surgery in mid-September to relieve ongoing pain in his lower back.
At 49, Woods returns to a course where he has found tremendous success, winning eight times, including his dramatic 2008 U.S. Open victory. This year's event will be his first since he played with his son, Charlie, in the PNC Championship in Orlando last December. Woods has also appeared in two TGL matches.
Woods' most recent competitive appearance came at The Open Championship in July, where he missed the cut. His 2024 season saw him play just 11 rounds across five events, with a best finish of 60th at the Masters.
As he makes his long-awaited return to tour golf, his participation in the Genesis Invitational will draw significant attention as fans hope for a strong showing from one of the game's greatest players.
Per ESPN: "Woods has won eight times at Torrey Pines, including the 2008 U.S. Open. The 82-time PGA Tour winner competed with his son, Charlie, in the PNC Championship in Orlando, Florida, in December. He also has appeared in two TGL matches."
