'Just not ready': Tiger Woods pulls out of Torrey Pines tournament

WASHINGTON, United States — Golf superstar Tiger Woods said Monday (Tuesday Manila time) he was "just not ready" as he announced he will not play in this week's Genesis Invitational at Torrey Pines as planned following his mother's death.

Woods had committed to his first professional tournament in seven months in the Genesis, a US PGA Tour event he hosts. His decision to play came just days after Woods announced his mother, Kultida, had died last week.

"I planned to tee it up this week, but I'm just not ready," the American said in a statement posted to his social media. "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 continued kindness since my Mom’s passing."

Woods, the 15-time major champion, had committed to make his first appearance in a non-major on the US tour since he played the Genesis last February, withdrawing after one round because of illness.

Woods went on to finish 60th at the Masters and missed the cut in the year's other three majors as he struggled to recover between rounds because of back trouble and leg injuries from a 2021 car crash that continue to hamper him.

His last start was at the Open Championship in July.

Woods had another back surgery in September and teed it up alongside his 15-year-old son Charlie in the PNC Championship family event in Florida in December.

He has also played in the TGL indoor simulator league he launched with Northern Ireland star Rory McIlroy this year.

The 49-year-old has a long history of success on Torrey Pines' South Course, where his eight victories include his iconic 2008 US Open triumph in an 18-hole playoff against Rocco Mediate.

Two days after that victory, Woods announced he was undergoing knee surgery, revealing he had played with a broken leg.

The Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles' Pacific Palisades is the usual venue for the Genesis. Although the historic club was not damaged in the fires, it fell within the boundaries of the mandatory evacuation zone that forced residents to flee the Palisades fire last month.

Organizers and the tour opted to move the event due to the impact of the fires on the local community.