SAN DIEGO — Tiger Woods has confirmed his participation in the Genesis Invitational at Torrey Pines, marking his return to the PGA Tour for the first time since the British Open last July. This event holds special significance for Woods as he steps onto the course where he has fond memories, particularly after undergoing a microdiscectomy in September, his sixth procedure on his lower back, which was aimed at alleviating intense leg pain. Adding to the gravity of this return is the recent passing of his mother, Kultida Woods, who died on Tuesday at the age of 80, just over a week before he competes.

Woods serves as the host of the Genesis Invitational, which was relocated from the Riviera Country Club due to wildfires that affected the surrounding Los Angeles area, particularly the Pacific Palisades community. While he has never claimed a victory at Riviera, he boasts an impressive record at Torrey Pines, having achieved eight wins there, including the memorable 2008 U.S. Open. This public course, positioned along the Pacific coastline, also witnessed Woods’ most recent top-10 finish on the PGA Tour, where he tied for ninth at the Farmers Insurance Open in 2020.

The Genesis Invitational features a limited field without a cut, making it a unique event for Woods as he has not played four rounds in a tournament since last year’s Masters. During that tournament, he notably set a record for the most consecutive cuts made with his 24th. However, he faced challenges, finishing at the bottom among those who made the cut with scores of 82-77 over the weekend. Throughout last year, he participated in the other three major championships but unfortunately did not make the cut in any of them.

A 15-time major champion, Woods, now 49, has secured 82 victories on the PGA Tour, tying him with Sam Snead for the most wins in history. His last triumphant moment came at the Zozo Championship in 2019. Woods was sidelined throughout 2021 due to severe injuries suffered in a rollover car accident in Los Angeles in February of that year, which severely damaged his lower right leg.

Though he opted out of the Hero World Challenge he hosts in December, Woods has stayed active in the sport, participating in an exhibition match with his son, Charlie, as well as competing in the indoor TGL league.