“Tiger [Woods] Wasn’t at His Strongest”: From Injured to No.1, Tour Colleague Reminisces the 48-Year-Old’s Greatness Amid His Comeback

It is nearing almost three months that Tiger Woods has not played competitively! The 48-year-old was last seen in December 2023, competing in the Hero World Challenge. But since then, he has probably gone into recovery mode or is busy planning something big after his Nike split. While the legendary player is away from the greens, he is still considered a force to be reckoned with!

And this is because he made a speedy recovery to the top in the past. The GOAT’s fans believe the 48-year-old will do it all over again after he returns to the greens very soon. This belief of the fans was recently affirmed by a five-time PGA Tour winner!

A PGA Tour pro sheds light on Tiger Woods’s dominance

Every fan knows the sheer dominance Woods has in the golf world. He consistently used to reside in the top spot and stayed there for a record span of 683 weeks. But in 2011, the American golfer suffered a minor injury to his left knee and Achilles tendon. This led to him missing some events and Luke Donald claiming his top spot.

However, the 5-time PGA Tour winner was brutally honest about how Woods snatched his position back. Recounting the time, he said, “Tiger [Woods] wasn’t at his strongest. He certainly had his issues and was at number nine or 10, but he was starting to play again.”

Donald said that when he was in the top spot, Woods was just entering the top 10. However, when he lost his top spot, Tiger Woods was already in the top 5! But the top spot eluded Woods for the second year in a row as Rory McIlroy clinched the spot. However, the 15x major champion showed why he is the best in the game and took the top spot the very next year!

Even Donald confirmed that when one gets an opening for the top spot, they take it, as ultimately Woods will grab it back. Despite being a world-class player, Woods is troubled by his injuries right now. During his much-awaited return, he promised his fans that he would compete in one event every month. Although the greens have not been graced with his presence so far, the golf fraternity is hoping to see him return to the course in February.

When is Woods playing next?

Tiger Woods is likely to compete at the Genesis Invitational, one of two events he hosts. The event is scheduled at the Riviera Golf Club from February 15 to February 18. It will also be his first start of the 2024 PGA Tour season. The 48-year-old will also be gracing the golf world with his appearances at major championships. He already holds lifetime exemptions at the Masters and the PGA Championship.

USA Today via Reuters

He can also compete at The Open until he is 60. But for the 2024 US Open, for the first time, Woods is not exempted from competing in the aforementioned major tournament. The 82x PGAT winner will most likely have to rely on receiving an exemption from the USGA to compete at the Pinehurst.