Tiger Woods’ latest comeback has been called into question after it was revealed that the 48-year-old will not
compete in next week’s Players Championship, as had been planned. Woods, who had planned to compete once a
month by 2024, is now unlikely to play until the Masters in April.
Woods’ debut at the Hero World Challenge in November marked his ninth since a vehicle accident in early 2021, and
his first since last year’s Masters. He finished 18th in a 20-man field with a level-par total. “Once a month seems
reasonable,” he remarked of his playing plans for this year. His physique has been severely harmed by repeated leg
and back surgeries.
Woods withdrew from the Genesis Invitational in February due to the sickness. Eyes automatically moved to
Sawgrass and the PGA Tour’s marquee tournament, where the 15-times major champion would typically resume his
Masters buildup. However, he is an unexpected exclusion from the Tour’s 144-player Sawgrass entry list, which was
released on Friday. No other information has been released concerning Woods’ medical condition or the specific cause for his Players absence.
Woods tied for 44th in the 18-hole Seminole pro-member event on Monday, alongside PGA of America member Seth
Waugh. A main topic of discussion between the two, one believes, was whether Woods would like to captain the
United States in next year’s Ryder Cup. So yet, there has been no sign that Woods is interested in the post, with his
attention more likely concentrated on Adare Manor in 2027. However, if playing proves to be more difficult than
Woods anticipated, Bethpage and 2025 may become more viable options.
