Tiger Woods confirms he withdrew from Genesis Invitational due to influenza

Tiger Woods has a case of the flu, he announced Saturday afternoon.

Woods returned to the golf course as part of the PGA Tour for the first time in a while, but ultimately had his weekend at The Riviera cut short when he had to exit early on Friday with what was considered an illness. After worry spread over whether Woods was doing alright, he’s now come out to update his status.

Here was the latest from Tiger himself via Twitter:

“I would like to confirm that I had to withdraw from (The Genesis Invitational) due to illness, which we now know is influenza. I am resting and feeling better. Good luck to the players this weekend. I’m disappointed to not be there and want to thank @GenesisUSA and all the fans for the support.”

The flu is no joke, but it’s good to know he’s doing alright. It’s a real shame Woods had to withdraw, because he is actually the host of the Invitational, which is being held at The Riviera Country Club in Santa Monica, California.

More on Wood, Genesis Invitational

Golf fans around the world were excited simply to get another glimpse of Tiger Woods back in competition this weekend at the Genesis Open. Well, they certainly got a glimpse on Thursday. But his appearance was cut short on Friday afternoon, after Woods was forced to withdraw from the tournament due to an illness, according to a release from the PGA Tour.

He shot a 1-over par 72 in the first round on Thursday. Woods hit a beautiful flop shot onto the green on 13, but shanked a shot on the 18th hole into the trees.

In his post-round press conference, Woods was complaining about back spasms on the final few holes on Thursday.

Woods, 48, played in just two events during the 2022-23 season. He made the cut at the 2023 Masters Tournament in April, but had to withdraw due to a foot injury. Woods also made it through all four rounds of The Genesis Invitational last February, finishing T45.

Since the Masters, Woods has undergone surgery on his right ankle and recently told reporters that he’s pain-free, at least as far as his ankle is concerned.

Now, he’s sick, but that is something he ought to be able to overcome within a week or so. Stinks he had leave his own tournament, but Tiger Woods should still be fine in the longterm this season.