Saying he’s ‘just not ready,’ Tiger Woods pulls out of this week’s tournament at Torrey Pines
Saying he is “just not ready,” golf superstar Tiger Woods announced Monday morning that he will not play in the Genesis Invitational this week at Torrey Pines Golf Course.
Woods had committed last week to play in the Genesis, where he serves as tournament host. His decision to play came just days after Woods announced his mother, Kultida, had died.
“I planned to tee it up this week, but I’m just not ready,” Woods said in a statement posted to his social media accounts. “I did my best to prepare, knowing it’s what my mom would have wanted, but I’m still processing her loss.
“Thanks to everyone who has reached out. I hope to be at Torrey later in the week and appreciate the kindness since my mom’s passing.”
Woods, 49, underwent back surgery in September and has not appeared in a PGA Tour event since July’s British Open. He has participated recently in the TGL indoor simulator league, captaining the Jupiter Links team. Woods played in December’s two-round PNC Championship with son Charlie. The pair also played a round of golf on Sunday with President Trump at Trump International Golf Club in Palm Beach, Fla.
Woods played in last year’s Genesis, held at Riviera Country Club, but withdrew in the second round because of the flu. Woods had announced on Friday that he would play in this year’s event.
Torrey Pines is hosting the Genesis this week after the tournament was moved from Pacific Palisades due to last month’s devastating wildfires. The first round is Thursday.
Jake Knapp replaced Woods in the 72-man field. One other change came on Sunday, when Chris Kirk withdrew and was replaced by Mark Hubbard.
The Genesis is among eight limited-field “signature” events with increased payouts ($20 million). This year’s field includes 46 of the top 50 players in the world golf rankings, led by No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, No. 3 Rory McIlroy, No. 4 Collin Morikawa and No. 5 Hideki Matsuyama, the defending champion.
Tickets and parking
Genesis Invitational tickets start at $100 for daily grounds passes. Hospitality packages with food and beverages include The Bluffs, adjacent to the 17th green, for $400 and The Backlot, located along the 18th green, for $600. Ticketing is through the TicketMaster.com website.
Parking can be purchased at TicketMaster.com after purchasing tickets. Park and ride locations include the Sanford Consortium (Thursday through Sunday), Del Mar Fairgrounds (Thursday and Friday) and Scripps A and Scripps B (both Saturday and Sunday) locations.
Those who require ADA parking can email the tournament at genesistickets@tgrfoundation.org.
California Rises
Tournament sponsor Genesis, along with the PGA Tour and TGR Live, announced the creation of a philanthropic effort called California Rises to assist with relief and recovery efforts for those impacted by the wildfires. Funds raised will benefit American Red Cross, World Central Kitchen, California Fire Foundation and the Genesis Inspiration Foundation.
Genesis announced it is donating $8 million to California’s relief and rebuilding efforts, the contributions coming from cash and 100 tournament vehicles.
Other initiatives during the tournament at Torrey Pines include:
• Donations to California Rises of $300 for each birdie and eagle and $1,000 for each hole-in-one.
• A percentage of each tournament ticket sold will go to California Rises.
• California Rises merchandise will be sold in the Torrey Pines pro shop as well as the on-course tournament shop, with all proceeds going to the American Red Cross, World Central Kitchen, California Fire Foundation and the Genesis Inspiration Foundation.
• Signage around the golf course will include links to pgatour.com/CaliforniaRises for those who wish to donate.
• Fans who go to the Genesis Lounge on the 9th tee can send thank you notes to first reponders through an initiative called Postcards from the Tee.
• Tournament officials will provide special access to the tournament for first responders and firefighters from the state to honor them for their service.