Tiger Woods caught the golf world a bit off guard last week when he committed to play in his own event in Los Angeles — The Genesis.
Prepare for Tigermania, 2023.
The word came around 11:30 (Scottsdale time) at TPC Scottsdale — El Tigre his ownself had made the call to the PGA Tour, letting them know that he intends to play his own event — and it’s a Designated Event at that.
There were minor tremors in Riviera, no, no mild earthquake, just the giddy anticipation that the 82-time winner will be in this week’s field.
It’s been a while. Sure, we saw Tiger in December, first at The Match where he and Rory McIlroy were spanked vigorously by the Justin Thomas-Jordan Spieth duo. Then came the PNC where Tiger expected son Charlie to carry him. When Charlie sprained his ankle, the onus went back on Tiger and he simply couldn’t work any magic as Team Limp hobbled around the Ritz Carlton layout.
Last time we saw Tiger actually WALKING (hobbling) on a course was July of last year at the 150th Open Championship where he turned in scores unseen in his prime — a 78 the first day, 75 the second and at nine-over, missed the cut by nine shots. And Tiger said he never wants to be a ceremonial golfer. There was a lot of ceremonial feelings as he crossed the Swilcan Bridge on Friday, perhaps for the final time in his career.
Which brings us to this week in Los Angeles. What should we expect/anticipate/hope-for at The Genesis?
Well, first and foremost there’s that troublesome right leg that was made worse by a dose of plantar fasciitis that made walking even more difficult. Tiger rode in the two December events and took a pass at his Hero Challenge in the Bahamas. He was reduced, once again, to the role of Cart-Rider-In-Chief. Although he did manage to hit some balls on the range and folks were going nuts over that undemanding task.
Stately Riviera Country Club hosts Tiger’s event. For the most part it’s not a difficult track to walk except for two spots.
“I imagine we’ll be carrying him down the hill on one and up it on 18. Which no one would mind,” said the Max Homa (aka the California Kid), who won The Farmers two weeks ago in San Diego and has become a stellar performer at his home-state events.
Homa was referring to the steep descent from the first tee to the first fairway and the steep stairs that connect Riviera’s 18th green to the clubhouse. Not a big issue unless you’re a 47-year-old guy with a very surgically repaired right leg and that troublesome plantar fasciitis that plays havoc with the foot’s heel and arch.
Now lets add the fact that Tiger hasn’t competed since St. Andrews and that’s only if you call 78-75 “competing.”
No doubt Tiger’s tested the leg at The Medalist, which is a pretty easy walk. What he should have done as well, was make a call to nearby Jupiter Hills and try that one on for size, because, as the name implies, his has a lot of hills.
They will no doubt turn out in droves for Thursday and Friday as those are the only two days Tiger’s guaranteed to play.
Can he make the 36-hole cut? Well, he may be Tiger Woods but given his age and physical condition, that’s a real stretch.
But give him credit, he’s got heart, a lot of it. But heart doesn’t trump Father Time and even Tiger knows that Father Time is undefeated.
Whatever happens at Riviera, Tiger’s next appearance could be at The Players in four weeks. After that, he’s got three weeks to prepare for The Masters.
Ball in the air at Augusta National On Thursday, April 6.
And that’s a short 52 days from today.
