Tiger Woods announced his decision to withdraw from the 2025 Genesis Invitational on Monday. He committed to the tournament on Friday but pulled out of the marquee tournament only three days later. The reason behind the withdrawal is the recent death of his mother Kultida Woods. She passed away on February 4.
Woods has spoken about the outsized impact his mother had on his life. The statement he posted said: “I planned to tee it up this week, but I’m just not ready. I did my best to prepare, knowing it’s what my Mom would have wanted, but I’m still processing her loss. Thanks to everyone who has reached out. I hope to be at Torrey later in the week and appreciate the continued kindness since my Mom’s passing.“ When will he tee it up next?
When Will Woods Play Again?
Woods was set to make his first official PGA Tour start since the 2024 Open Championship. He would miss the cut and underwent back surgery in September. The all-time great has only made three official appearances with a golf club in his hand since his September surgery. He played win his son Charlie in the PNC Championship and appeared twice in TGL which is a virtual golf league he and Rory Mcllroy helped found. Woods’ most recent TGL appearance included a touching moment with his mother in their final public interaction.
The 15-time major champion should return to the course once he feels he has taken the appropriate time to mourn his mom’s loss. He felt his game was in good enough shape to contend on the PGA Tour. That means a return may not be too far away. The all-time great could return at the Arnold Palmer Invitational pres. by Mastercard. Woods has been extremely successful at Bay Hill winning eight times. Another tournament where he could return is at The Players Championship which he has won twice on the PGA Tour.
Final Thoughts
Even though Woods will not be teeing it up this week at the 2025 Genesis Invitational, he still could show up to the tournament. The Genesis Invitation benefits the TGR Foundation which is Tiger’s foundation. Hopefully he can play well once he grieves the loss of his mother.
