Excited to be Host Next Week – Tiger Woods

Tiger Woods is gearing up for his much-anticipated return to competitive golf in 2024, with his sights set on the Genesis Invitational at Riviera Country Club. The 15-time Major winner, who will also serve as a player-host for the PGA Tour event benefiting his foundation, took to social media on Feb 7 to share his excitement, stating, “Excited to be host next week.”

This announcement comes on the heels of Woods’ decision to part ways with Nike, a partnership spanning nearly three decades, which he hinted at in January with the sign-off, “See you in LA!” The Genesis Invitational, one of the PGA Tour’s premier events in 2024, boasts a substantial purse of US$20 million, with a handsome US$4 million reserved for the victor.

For Woods, this tournament marks his official return to the PGA Tour since his withdrawal from the 2023 Masters and subsequent fusion surgery on his right ankle. Despite a prolonged absence from competitive play, Woods dipped his toes back into the golfing waters at the end of November with an appearance at the Hero World Challenge, followed by a heartwarming outing alongside his son Charlie at the PNC Championship.

Reflecting on his fitness and readiness to compete, Woods expressed confidence after a recent event in Florida, affirming, “I’ll be able to walk and play.” He attributed his preparedness to rigorous training sessions, which have helped dispel any lingering doubts. Indeed, the upcoming Genesis Invitational marks the beginning of Woods’ ambitious plan for regular competitive action in 2024.

With the Masters slated for April, followed by the PGA Championship, US Open, and British Open in subsequent months, Woods is poised for a potentially triumphant comeback. Despite a modest showing in 2023 at Riviera, where he finished tied for 45th place, Woods’ return to the course is eagerly anticipated by fans and competitors alike, setting the stage for an exhilarating season of golf ahead.