Tiger Woods has shared his verdict on Gary Woodland featuring in this week’s field at The Genesis Invitational at Riviera, with the 39-year-old receiving a sponsor’s exemption to tee it up in California.
Of course, much of the spotlight is on Tiger Woods this week. The 48-year-old’s appearances on the PGA Tour are becoming increasingly rare. And Woods will be wearing his Sun Day Red clothing for the first time in a tournament in the coming days.
But Woods is definitely not the only to overcome serious adversity to get back playing. In fact, one of those in Woods’ group has had a remarkable journey over the last few months.
Tiger Woods excited to play alongside Gary Woodland
Gary Woodland announced midway through 2023 that he had been diagnosed with a brain lesion. He would not play again for the rest of the season.
Woodland has featured in three events so far this year, but the 2019 US Open champion is yet to make a cut so far. Nevertheless, he is in the field this week at Riviera, where he will tee it up with Tiger Woods and Justin Thomas in the first two rounds.
And speaking ahead of the first round, Woods suggested that he is amazed by what Woodland has done to return after everything he has been through.
“I think that what Gary has gone through, I don’t think that people have really given it enough play. I think we haven’t had enough conversation about what he’s gone through and how difficult life was for Gary, and how scary that was,” he said.
“Each and every moment he’s afraid of dying, and the anxiety of that, and to have a surgery and remove a tumour out of his brain. And to come back and play the tour, that’s an unbelievable story. And I think we should now applaud him for what he’s been able to overcome.
“He’s been one of my great friends over the years. And to be able to play with two great friends tomorrow, we’re going to have a great time. We’re needling each other, but it’s a great needling. The fact that we’re able to do it, the fact that he’s here and is able to give us that needle is fantastic, because that was a scary time when we didn’t know what that was going to look like.”
The group to follow at Riviera
You would imagine that many will decide to follow the Woods, Woodland, Thomas three-ball over the first couple of days.
Obviously, nothing more needs to be said about why people may choose to follow Woods. But it is brilliant to see Woodland back. And you have to say that Justin Thomas’ return to form is a big boost for the PGA Tour.
It would be phenomenal to see Woods and Woodland, in particular, go on and make the cut.
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