A report claims the 48-year-old wants to retire from golf but feels as though he can’t.
Tiger Woods was forced to withdraw from the Genesis Invitational due to illness in yet another set back for the golf icon. Image: Getty
Tiger Woods was forced to withdraw from the Genesis Invitational after just six holes on Friday due to illness. It was a disappointing end to the American golf great’s first PGA Tour event of the year and first official tournament since the Masters last April.
It is just another setback for Woods who attempts to return to the top of the sport. But a bombshell report in The Sun claims the sporting icon has no interest in reaching the summit of golf again, stating he would retire if he could.
Last week, Woods unveiled his new apparel and golf gear company at the Riviera Country Club after he decided to split with Nike after 27 years. A source told The Daily Mail that Woods feels that he can’t retire as he needs to do his part to ensure his new company Sun Day Red succeeds.
Tiger Woods was wearing his new apparel at the Genesis Invitational before he withdrew. Image: Getty
“If Tiger could retire, he would. His body is beat up but, for his brand, he still has to make and keep appearances and make a go at it,” the source claims. “After his car accident, he thought that was it. There was almost an amputation in play, so to be back even at all is sort of a miracle.
“Now with this recent illness that had him bow out of the latest tournament, that is unfortunate. But he will be back because he has to support his new brand Sun Day Red, and everything else in his world. He’ll be back even though he would love nothing more than to retire.”
Tiger Woods sports his new brand at the Genesis Invitational. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) (Getty Images)
Tiger Woods says Sun Day Red has been in the works for years
Woods says he had been working on the unveiling of Sun Day Red for years and felt like it was finally the perfect time to transition into the next chapter of his career. “It’s the right time in my life,” Woods said at the launch event, as reported by NCA NewsWire.
“It’s transitional. I’m no longer a kid anymore. Life changes, I have kids now, and this is an important part of transitioning into this part of my life, to have a product and a brand that I’m proud of.”
After ending his relationship with Nike, which dates back to when he turned pro in 1996, Woods has turned to golf manufacturer TaylorMade for his apparel and footwear line. The brand logo for Sun Day Red incorporates his 15 major championships into a tiger stretched across the three words.
“I have learned so much over the years and have a lifetime of experience adjusting my apparel and footwear to help me play better based on the way it was constructed,” Woods said. “There are things that I could tell you that no one knew I was doing over the years. I’m ready to share those secrets with the world.”