“Tiger Woods’ 2024 Debut Marred by Illness at Genesis Invitational”

Tiger Woods has chosen to skip the upcoming Players Championship, the PGA Tour’s premier event held at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. Notably absent from the 144-player field announced by the PGA Tour on Friday, Woods, a two-time winner of the tournament, last competed in 2019. His decision comes amidst ongoing recovery from fusion surgery in April, aimed at alleviating post-traumatic arthritis in his right foot and ankle, stemming from injuries sustained in a February 2021 car accident.

At 48 years old, Woods had previously indicated his intention to participate in roughly one tournament per month during his rehabilitation. However, it now appears likely that he may opt to forego competition until the Masters, the first major championship of the season, scheduled for April 11-14 at Augusta National Golf Club. Following the Players Championship, the Valspar Championship is the next event on the calendar, a tournament Woods has only played in once, finishing tied for second in 2018. Subsequent stops include the Texas Children’s Houston Open and the Valero Texas Open before the Masters.

During Tiger Woods’ most recent appearance at the Genesis Invitational at Riviera Country Club last month, he withdrew from the competition during the second round, citing illness. Later confirmed to be influenza, this setback marked his debut for the 2024 season.

Despite receiving medical attention at the golf club, including intravenous therapy, Woods’ participation in competitive golf has been sporadic since returning from his car accident. He made an appearance at the prestigious Seminole pro-member tournament on Monday, partnering with PGA of America CEO Seth Waugh for the first time. Since his return to professional golf post-accident, Woods has either withdrawn or missed the cut in four out of six starts, with his best finishes being tied for 45th in the 2023 Genesis Invitational and a solo 47th in the 2022 Masters.

Reflecting on his recovery journey, Woods acknowledges the improvement in his ankle condition following the fusion surgery. However, he also highlights the challenges of adapting to the changes in his body, with his fused ankle and previously fused back impacting other areas. Despite these physical hurdles, Woods remains determined to continue competing and adapting to the demands of professional golf.