Golf Channel pundit Brandel Chamblee has shared his thoughts on Tiger Woods’ PGA Tour return after the 15-time major winner confirmed his participation at next week’s Genesis Invitational.
Woods will tee it up at the Signature Event, which is his first professional outing since the 2024 Open Championship at Royal Troon. Torrey Pines will host this year’s Genesis Invitational with Riviera Country Club still recovering from the devastating Los Angeles wildfires. Woods has won eight times at the famous San Diego venue, including a dramatic playoff victory over Rocco Mediate at the 2008 US Open.
Woods has been competing in the tech-infused TGL and has posted some impressive ball speed numbers in the simulator league. Woods has consistently reiterated he will only return once he’s competitive, and Chamblee believes there’s a lot to like about Tiger’s current trajectory.
Brandel Chamblee ‘encouraged’ by Tiger Woods’ golf swing
Speaking to the Golf Channel at the WM Phoenix Open, Chamblee stated that Woods’ performance in TGL is a reason for optimism moving forward.
“Last couple of years, when he’s come out he hasn’t had the speed or stamina or looked like he’s been able to walk around the golf course. Just from a swing aspect, watching him on TGL, I was really encouraged,” Chamblee said.
“Just watching that golf swing with Tiger Woods. Hopefully, the weather is okay and it’s not too cold. He needs a lot of things to fall in his favour. That golf swing right there was as good as I’ve seen since he won the Masters in 2019.”
Why 2025 could be different for Tiger Woods
Woods followed a similar path last year. After not playing for the first month of the season, the 49-year-old played the Genesis Invitational before withdrawing through illness.
The 49-year-old then played the Masters Tournament, where he made the cut before falling down the leaderboard over the weekend.
However, this year feels slightly different. As Chamblee mentions, Woods is not coming in entirely from the cold. He’s been competing and winning in the TGL and posting simulator numbers that match the best on the PGA Tour.
Will Tiger Woods’ short game be sharp enough at the Genesis Invitational?
One issue Woods could face next week is his short game. At times, during the TGL, the former world number one looked slightly rusty with his wedges and putter in hand.
Chamblee, however, believes Woods is more than capable of putting together a week of short-game excellence. “You can’t quite spend as much time around the greens, but that’s not to say as you get older, you can’t have a magical week,” Chamblee added.
“You can’t have a renaissance. Jack Nicklaus had it, and Phil Mickelson had it. There are a lot of exceptions. Sam Snead finished third in a major when he was 62.”
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