Woods was making his eagerly-anticipated first full PGA Tour start of 2024 at the Genesis Invitational in southern California.
Rob McNamara, Tiger Woods’ agent, provided insight into the decision for the 15-time Major champion to withdraw from the Genesis Invitational this year.
Woods, who had only participated in three events since the previous April’s Masters, was set to make his first PGA Tour start of 2024 at Riviera Country Club. Despite promising showings at the Hero World Challenge and PNC Championship, Woods decided to end his tournament after completing just six holes on Friday following a one-over-par round of 72 on Thursday. By the time of his withdrawal, Woods was one-over for the day and two-over for the event, narrowly missing the cut line.
Displaying signs of physical struggle during the early stages of his second round, Woods was escorted off the course on a golf cart and later departed Riviera in a vehicle after leaving the clubhouse under his own power.
Rob McNamara, Woods’ long-time business partner and vice president of TGR Ventures, provided a detailed explanation regarding his friend’s health situation.
McNamara clarified that Woods had flu-like symptoms the night before and woke up feeling worse the next morning. Despite a slight improvement in his fever during warm-up, Woods started feeling dizzy while walking and playing.
Doctors diagnosed him with a potential flu and dehydration, but after receiving treatment with an IV bag, he is now recovering well. Woods had also mentioned back spasms during a press conference, attributing them to an uncharacteristic shank on the 18th hole.
McNamara quickly dismissed the issue as physical, stating that Woods’ back is fine. The problem was actually due to medical illness and dehydration, but the symptoms are now reversing after receiving an IV.
Woods’ recent withdrawal due to illness means he hasn’t completed a full PGA Tour tournament since the 2023 Genesis, where he finished T45.
Since February, Woods has only played competitively four times. He withdrew from the Masters, finished 18th at the Hero World Challenge, and placed T5 at the PNC Championship with his son Charlie.
If all goes well, Woods may return at the Players Championship next month. Otherwise, he could aim for a sixth green jacket at Augusta in April.
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