There was no doubt as to whether Tiger Woods’ body had failed him once more when he was wheeled out of The Riviera Country Club on Friday afternoon. Just the day before, he had experienced back spasms, thus it was likely that his several surgically repaired body parts were impeding his most recent recovery.
It soon became clear, though, that Woods’ early 2024 debut was due to flu-like symptoms rather than a stiff back. However, Woods was not seen for another two hours, a period of time that raised questions about his health following the arrival of two fire engines and an ambulance at Riviera.
That’s why when Woods was spotted getting into the passenger seat of a waiting courtesy car after leaving the clubhouse, there was a breath of relief. During his stay in the clubhouse, Woods had gotten treatment for his illness-related dehydration and vertigo, which included an IV bag.
At the end of his round on Friday, Woods had recorded one birdie on the par-4 seventh hole and was one over after six holes. At 1:35 p.m. local time, a rules official wheeled him back to the dressing room. Not long after, emergency workers started showing up to the course.
According to Rob McNamara, EVP of TGR Ventures, Woods began experiencing flu-like symptoms the night before, and when he woke up this morning, they got worse.
“He was feeling better throughout the warm-up despite having a slight fever, but as soon as he was outside strolling and playing, he began to feel lightheaded. In the end, the physicians conclude that he was dehydrated and that he had some form of illness. He is doing incredibly well after receiving treatment with an IV bag, and he will soon be allowed to leave this place on his own.” McNamara said.
When asked if it was related to Woods’ prior back or ankle injuries, McNamara replied, “Not at all physical. He is not experiencing any back pain. All of the symptoms were caused by a medical condition called dehydration, which is already improving since he received an IV.”
After withdrawing from last year’s Masters during the third round due to severe pain, Woods made his official TOUR debut at the Genesis, having previously had ankle surgery. After making a successful comeback to competition in December at the Hero World Challenge, where he finished 18th out of 20 players, Woods paired up with his son Charlie to win the PNC Championship two weeks later.
After the Hero, Woods expressed optimism that he will play in about one TOUR event each month this year. His sickness ended his Riviera career after just 24 holes.
A group of journalists gathered in the parking area, hoping to snag Woods en route to his vehicle. Everyone at the scene, including Woods’ other players, speculated about his condition when two fire vehicles and an ambulance arrived. It took a few minutes for the three emergency vehicles to leave after loading an empty trolley into the ambulance.
After their rounds, players like Tony Finau, Jason Day, and Rickie Fowler came out of the locker room and asked the mass of media if they knew anything. The players answered the same question to reporters.
The security guard at Woods drove his red Genesis SUV courtesy car to the locker room entrance at about 3:30 p.m. After withdrawing for over two hours, Woods eventually emerged from the locker room at 3:43, accompanied by his caddie, Lance Bennett, who loaded his golf equipment into the back. After McNamara, Woods walked out and took the front passenger seat before the SUV drove off, keeping him safe from photographers.
The Genesis Invitational winner has always received the trophy from tournament host Woods, who has previously visited the CBS booth to present the award. It’s uncertain if he’ll be well enough to come back and finish it.
Woods has participated in just nine official events over the past four seasons, following his stellar 2019 campaign in which he won his 82nd TOUR victory at the ZOZO Championship and his 15th major at the Masters. Twice he has withdrew and twice he has missed the cut.
On Thursday, he completed his first round of 72 while battling back spasms. The spasms caused him to scutter his approach shot on the par-4 18th hole.
“It just locked up on me after spasming for the past three holes. offered the hosel first, and then remained motionless” he said.
On Friday, his back wasn’t the issue. But it was sickness.
“He wasn’t himself, as far as I could tell; something wasn’t quite right. He became more subdued. It’s cut day, of course, and we’re all wanting to play well. The group as a whole is attempting to concentrate, get back up, and play well. I’m sorry for him. He was undoubtedly making an effort to overcome it, and I hope he’s okay.” recalled Gary Woodland, his playing companion.
