'Golf Emperor' Woods Withdraws from Genesis Tournament

Statement Released: "Not Ready Yet"
Was Scheduled to Return After 7 Months Since The Open Last Year
Mother's Passing on the 4th Affected Decision, Knapp to Take His Place

‘Golf Emperor’ Tiger Woods (USA) has withdrawn.

Tiger Woods

On the 10th (local time), Woods announced in a statement that he will not participate in this week’s PGA Tour ‘Signature Event,’ the Genesis Invitational (total prize money $20 million). The tournament will be held on the 13th at Torrey Pines Golf Course in San Diego, California. Originally, it was scheduled to take place at Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades, California, but the venue was moved to Torrey Pines due to recent wildfires in the nearby area.

Since the Genesis Invitational is hosted by the Woods Foundation, Woods has always participated unless there were special circumstances such as injuries. He said, “I had planned to compete in the tournament, but I am not ready yet,” adding, “I did my best, and I believe my mother (Kultida), who is in heaven, would have wanted me to play, but I am not in a condition to participate.” He continued, “Thank you for your concern regarding my mother, who passed away on the 4th,” and added, “I hope to be at Torrey Pines (the venue) this weekend.”

Woods last competed in a PGA Tour event at the major tournament The Open in July last year. After missing the cut in that tournament, he disappeared from the field. He underwent back surgery in September last year and focused on treatment and rehabilitation, then appeared with his son Charlie at the PNC Championship, an event tournament, in December of the same year. Woods appeared twice last month in the screen golf league TGL. He was expected to return seven months after The Open last year, but it seems he gave up due to his mother’s passing. Jake Knapp (USA) will participate in his place.