It’s been a back-and-forth week in professional golf after Tiger Woods entered and then withdrew from the Genesis Invitational at Torrey Pines.
Woods’ TGL performance has been cause for optimism. The 15-time major winner appears to be moving more freely after undergoing back surgery last year.
What’s more, Woods’ record at Torrey Pines even had some pondering whether he would be able to make the cut. However, after the sad passing of his mother, Kultida, last week, Woods confirmed he wouldn’t be teeing it up at Torrey Pines.
It appears the 49-year-old’s decision is mainly down to the emotional strain connected with his mother’s passing. Had Woods struggled at Torrey Pines, dealing with the gaze of the golfing world would have been hard to take, even for someone as mentally rigid as Woods.
Jaime Diaz details Tiger Woods ‘worry’ after Genesis Invitational withdrawal
Jaime Diaz, a senior editor for Golf Digest and one of the game’s most respected journalists, recently appeared on the Golf Channel to discuss Woods’ withdrawal.
“You know what is interesting, we came on today thinking he was going to be playing. [His swing at TGL] really was a dynamic golf swing he was making,” Diaz said. “It wasn’t 2001 Tiger Woods, but it was better than it has been. It is a fairly useful body still, as beat up as it has been, he is an athlete, he is a superstar athlete, he is an incredible genius athlete and a lot of that is still in there. I am not saying he can do it because there is so much to golf.”
Despite complimenting Woods’ game, Diaz claimed the 49-year-old’s short game and mental lapses could cause him issues once he returns to the course.
“When I think of Tiger now, I worry more about his short game and his mental game because he gets these moments where he just seems to lose focus, whereas he never used to,” Diaz added.
“But I think if he is not in pain and he is pushing off that right foot as he was I still feel he is still capable. I am not saying that I think he is going to be a winner all the time, but I think he plays a very respectable PGA Tour quality game, and he can still do it if he is feeling okay.
“Obviously things like this create doubt over whether he can go 72 holes, and can he walk? But you watch him move as he is walking now, and the gait is a lot more graceful now and a lot smoother, and the golf swing keeps getting better, so I think if he is feeling less pain, he is still a legitimate player, just like Phil Mickelson was when he won the PGA Championship.”
When could Tiger Woods return to the PGA Tour?
With the Genesis Invitational now off the cards, the golfing world will start to speculate about when Woods will make his return to the course.
After this week’s Signature Event, the Mexico Championship and Cognizant Classic will take place. The Puerto Rico Open will be played at the beginning of March. Therefore, looking ahead, the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill seems the most likely return for Woods.
Woods has enjoyed success at the Florida venue in the past and could view the Arnold Palmer as good preparation for the Masters Tournament.
Meanwhile, Woods will likely still compete in the TGL. Jupiter Links Golf Club’s next fixture is on February 19 at the SoFi Centre.
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