Tiger Woods has played in each of his TGL team’s first three matches, but the 15-time major champion will be absent Tuesday night when Jupiter Links takes on the Bay Golf Club.
Woods made his first competitive appearance since the death of his mother, Kultida, last Tuesday, but he admitted after Jupiter’s loss that it was an emotional return.
“I had a hard time driving down here,” Woods said. “I hadn’t hit a golf ball since I played with the President, and just put everything away and shut it off. I had a really hard time getting here and then reliving all the moments that we’ve had, my mom, how excited she was to have Charlie drive her here. So those are some great moments and great memories. It’s been a hard process.”
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When asked if he knew when he would make his PGA Tour season debut, Woods was clear that golf is the farthest thing from his mind now.
“I really haven’t thought about golf, so I don’t think I’m going to be thinking about it for just a little bit here,” Woods said.
Woods is the biggest draw for TGL and has been involved in two of the tech league’s most notable moments from its first season. Woods was the first player in TGL history to commit a shot-clock violation. Last week, he mistakenly used a 56-degree wedge for a 199-yard shot after mishearing the distance.
With Woods sitting out, Jupiter Links, which is currently outside of the TGL playoff picture, will trot out Kevin Kisner, Tom Kim and Max Homa to face the undefeated Bay team. Shane Lowry, Wyndham Clark and Min Woo Lee will make up the Bay’s lineup. Ludvig Aberg is sitting out.
While it’s still an imperfect product, TGL has gained serious momentum halfway through its first season, showing the nimbleness and adaptability needed to thrive. It still needs to polish things, but it has been a success so far.
As for Woods, his next appearance is unknown.
He said he wants to play more events in the lead-up to the Masters, but golf is rightfully taking a backseat after his mother’s unexpected passing.
Woods isn’t in the field this week at the Cognizant Classic at the Palm Beaches. He could look to play the Arnold Palmer Invitational next week or the Players Championship in two weeks.
The 2025 Masters tees off in 45 days.
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