Uncertainty Surrounds Tiger Woods‘ Return too Competition
The golf world awaits clarity on when Tiger Woods will tee up again,with the suspense extending into the new year. Tournament directors are preparing for a range of possibilities, acknowledging the important impact-and logistical challenges-his presence would create, particularly at events outside of major championships.
The anticipation stems from Woods’ eligibility for the first event of 2024, the Hualalai Golf Club tournament in Kona, Hawaii, but his ongoing health concerns, specifically related to his back, leave his participation uncertain. This ambiguity impacts not only the PGA Tour’s event planning but also the potential for fans in smaller markets to witness Woods play in person. “That puts a big challenge on our tournament directors,” said Jim Flesch, a PGA Tour executive. “That’s a big scale to change when all of a sudden he might decide to go to Des Moines, Iowa, or Madison for Steve’s event.”
Flesch referenced the American Family Insurance Championship, hosted by Steve Stricker at TPC Wisconsin in June, and similar tournaments unaccustomed to the surge in attendance and infrastructure demands that accompany a Woods appearance.”That’s a big buildout difference,” Flesch continued. “A lot of people would show up to see Tiger Woods as he hasn’t been in any of these markets.” The Tour hopes Woods will consider these events,even as rumors suggest a focus on major championships. “We’d love him to go to Madison and Des Moines and some of the smaller markets where it would really make a big impact, where a lot of people who have never seen Tiger Woods play golf would get to see him in person.”
The waiting game has even prompted playful speculation among those closely following the situation. During a recent discussion, someone jokingly called out, “Friday at 5!”-a reference to the anticipated timeframe for a potential announcement regarding Woods’ participation in the Hualalai event the week prior. Flesch acknowledged the anticipation, repeating, “Friday at 5… Hualalai is our first event he’ll be eligible for next year out in Kona. But his health, his back, we hope he shows up. we’ll know, I guess, Friday at 5 the week before.”
