Tiger Woods, 48, will not play in next week’s Players Championship as expected, after his latest comeback was thrown into doubt. Woods had originally set a goal of playing once a month in 2024, but that is now unlikely until the Masters in April.
Woods competed in the Hero World Challenge last November, his eighth since his car accident in early 2021 and his first since last year’s Masters. He finished 18th in a field of 20, finishing even at par overall. “Once a month seems reasonable,” he said of the prospects for this year’s competition. His body was severely affected by multiple leg and back surgeries.
Woods withdrew from February’s Genesis Invitational due to the flu. Eyes naturally turn to Sawgrass and the PGA Tour’s flagship event, where the 15-time major champion typically continues his Masters buildup. However, he was unexpectedly omitted from the list of 144 players at Sawgrass released by the tour on Friday. No further information has been provided on Woods’ condition or the exact reason behind the player’s absence.
On Monday, Woods tied for 44th in the 18-hole Seminole Professional Event, accompanied by PGA player Seth Waugh. A key topic of conversation between the pair is thought to be whether Woods is keen on captaining the United States at next year’s Ryder Cup. So far, there’s no indication Woods would enjoy the role, with his attention more likely focused on Adele Manor in 2027. However, if the tournament turns out to be more problematic than Woods foresees, Bethpage and 2025 may become more likely.
Meanwhile, Rory McIlroy supports reducing field events on the PGA Tour. Only 69 players entered this week’s Arnold Palmer Invitational, which is cause for concern given the $20 million in prize money. The maximum number allowed to play is 70.
McIlroy spoke after a second-round 70 and shrugged off criticism. “I’m all for making it more brutal and more competitive,” the Northern Irishman said. “It may not be a popular thing to say, but I’m all for fewer players, fewer tour cards and the best of the best.”
Newsletter Promotion Post
McIlroy’s one-under total left him six points behind Bay Hill’s halftime lead. Sean Lowry, Hideki Matsuyama, Russell Henry, Brian Harman, Wyndham Clark and Scotty Scheffler are the leaders. Harman finished at 8 under but dropped a shot on the 18th hole.
