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Tiger Woods returned to the Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles last week to compete in the Genesis Open for the first time since 2006. With the cut line at 6-over, Woods shot 5-over 76 in Round 2 and missed the Genesis Open cut for the first time in nine appearances as a pro. After waiting 12 years to return to Riviera, Tiger’s stint on the course would last just 2 days.
No more golf in LA for @TigerWoods. pic.twitter.com/2yRJrIsbTy
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) February 17, 2018
Inconsistent Play
The Genesis Open was Tiger’s second PGA Tour start of the year. Tiger finished an impressive T-23 at the Farmers Insurance Open last month considering his struggle with the driver. In the weeks leading up to the Genesis Open, it doesn’t appear that Tiger had fixed his driving struggles.
Over his 2 days at Riviera, Tiger’s wildness with the driver was still a key issue in his gameplay missing right on Thursday and left on Friday. In addition to poor driving, Woods putting in his last round wasn’t much better. On the back nine, Woods made bogey on three straight holes including back-to-back three-putts at holes 11 and 12. Tiger knew what he had to do to make the weekend cut but he just couldn’t play well enough.
Tiger is a little rusty and inconsistent but in the midst of a comeback his current performance is better than expected and many are happy to see him playing consistently again.
Shame we won’t see him play this weekend but it’s absolutely incredible to see @TigerWoods back . @genesisopen @PGATOUR
— Niall Horan (@NiallOfficial) February 17, 2018
Moving Forward
In 2017, Tiger pulled out of the Genesis Open due to back spasms and even canceled his press conference that would no doubt have been filled with questions concerning his health. Tiger’s ability to even play in this years Open at Riviera is a win in itself. After two official PGA Tour Starts what is clear is that Tiger’s back is fine and he is having fun. Woods knows that playing more tournaments will help knock off the rust and improve his gameplay.
It seems like Tiger is enjoying playing again, but what remains uncertain is how long he will enjoy his unstable game-play if it continues.
Tiger will play in the Honda Classic this week near his Florida home as his comeback continues. 2012 Honda Classic Champion, Rory McIlroy, joins Tiger Palm Beach this week. McIlroy got a first-hand look at Tiger’s gameplay at Riviera last week and thinks he will be competitive again very soon.
“He’s very close, he is very close. Give him a little bit of time. He’s still figuring a few things out with equipment – sort of in between drivers – but he’s close,” Rory said.
Beyond the Honda Classic, Woods has not announced any additional appearances this year.
