Tiger Woods had hoped to start his 2024 season with a strong performance at The Riviera Country Club, but his plans were cut short by an unexpected illness.
The golf legend, who had undergone ankle surgery last year, was forced to withdraw from the tournament on Friday after feeling dizzy and dehydrated.
Woods had been struggling with flu-like symptoms and back pain since Thursday night, but he decided to play on despite having a fever. He managed to complete six holes, but he felt too unwell to continue and called it a day.
He was taken to the clubhouse to receive treatment, including an IV bag, to help him recover from his dehydration and was later seen leaving the premises in a courtesy car, looking much better than before.
Rob McNamara, EVP of TGR Ventures, explained that Woods had a potential case of the flu and that his symptoms were aggravated by the physical exertion of playing golf. He assured that Woods’ back was fine and that he would be released on his own soon.
The Genesis Invitational was supposed to be Tiger Woods’ first official TOUR start since he pulled out of the Masters last year due to severe pain in his ankle. He had made a comeback at the Hero World Challenge in December, where he finished 18th out of 20 players, and then played with his son Charlie at the PNC Championship two weeks later.
Woods’ fans will have to wait a little longer to see him in action again, as he recovers from his illness and prepares for his next challenge.
