Woods "Short Game OK, Long Game Not Yet"... When Will He Return to the PGA Tour?

Appears at the Genesis Invitational Press Conference as Host "Return Within the Year May Be Difficult"

Tiger Woods is holding a press conference one day before the opening of the Genesis Invitational, which he is hosting. Pacific Palisades, USA = Getty Images / Multibitz Photo by Multibitz

[Asia Economy Golf Specialist Reporter Kim Hyun-jun] "Rehabilitation is still ongoing."

The 'Golf Emperor' Tiger Woods (USA) appeared at a press conference on the 17th (Korean time) at the Riviera Golf Club in Pacific Palisades, California, USA (par 71, 7,322 yards), the fierce battleground where he is hosting the PGA Tour premium match Genesis Invitational (total prize money $12 million), one day before the opening. He said, "I practice walking a lot and play golf every day," adding, "It is still undecided whether I will participate in the PGA Tour."

Last year, immediately after this tournament, he was seriously injured in a car rollover accident, breaking both legs, and spent three months bedridden before undergoing a phased rehabilitation process involving a wheelchair and crutches. Woods, who said, "I almost had to have my legs amputated," recalled, "At the hospital, I even asked my girlfriend Erica to throw me anything to see if my hand was still there," and introduced, "Now I have recovered enough health."

It is interesting that last December he finished second in the 'family competition' PNC Championship with his son Charlie. Although it is a two-person scramble event where each player tees off and the next shot is taken from a good position, Woods showed his strength with 10 under par on the first day and an impressive 15 under par on the final day. It is surprising that Woods even held a golf club. He made several drives over 300 yards, 'pinpoint iron shots,' and dazzling short game shots.

This is why the global golf community eagerly anticipates Woods' return to the PGA Tour. Woods explained, "There is no problem with short irons and putting," but "I need more practice on long game, including driver distance." He added, "Even if I return to the PGA Tour, it will be a few tournaments a year rather than full-time." For now, the 'April Masters return rumor' seems to be off the table. According to caddie LaCava's expectation of "after August," we might only see him again at the Hero World Challenge in December.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.