Tiger Woods has pulled out of the upcoming Genesis Invitational, citing his mother’s death.
Woods made the announcement on Monday about the tournament scheduled to be played this week at Torrey Pines. Woods was previously announced by the tournament as a participant on Friday, marking his anticipated return to competitive golf after a prolonged absence. Instead, his return will have to wait.
“I planned to tee it up this week, but I’m just not ready,” Woods wrote in his announcement. “I did my best to prepare, knowing it’s what my mom would have wanted to, but I’m still processing her loss.
“Thanks to every one who has reached out. I hope to be at Torrey later in the week and appreciate the continued kindness since my mom’s passing.”
Woods announced on Feb. 4 that his mother, Katilda had died at 80 years old. In his announcement, Woods wrote that she was “my biggest fan, greatest supporter, without her none of my personal achievements would have been possible.”
Woods is the host of the Genesis Invitational that’s normally played at The Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles. The tournament was moved to Torrey Pines in La Jolla, just north of San Diego, because of the recent wildfires in L.A.
Torrey Pines is a favorite course of Woods’ and the site of several of his victories, including his classic 2008 U.S. Open win that featured a 19-hole playoff duel with Rocco Mediate.
Woods, 49, has been a limited participant on the PGA Tour in recent years because of a rash of injuries that have plagued his career, including a shattered and ankle and compound fracture in his leg suffered in a rollover car crash in 2021.
Woods last played competitive professional golf at the British Open last summer. He’s since played in the exhibition PNC Championship in December with his son, Charlie. He also played simulated indoor golf against Rory McIlroy in January in the TGL that he co-owns with McIlroy.
It’s not clear now when Woods will make his return to PGA Tour play. The next marquee events on the calendar are the Arnold Palmer Invitational that starts on March 6 and The Players Championship scheduled to start on March 13.
