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Tiger Woods is all set to compete at the 2023 Genesis Invitational, which will start on Thursday, February 16, and run through this weekend with the finale on Sunday, February 19.
Woods, who has served as the host of the tournament for the past few years, will join the star-studded field this year. Ahead of the tournament, he spoke about the major highlights on Tuesday.
Here are five takeaways from Tiger Woods' news conference.
1) Tiger Woods talks about his golf career
The 15-time major champion is struggling with health issues and has thus often opted out of staying away from the tournaments. Woods was involved in a horrific car accident in 2021 and has hardly competed in tournaments since then.
At the news conference, he was asked about his upcoming tournament, to which Tiger Woods had a very straightforward answer. He said:
"I know that players have played and they are ambassadors of the game trying to grow the game. I can't wrap my mind around that. As a competitor, if I'm playing the event. I'm going to try and beat you. Just playing and just trying to be out here with the guys now that's not in my DNA."
2) Health Issues
Woods was just recovering from a back injury when he was involved in a Los Angeles car accident. Last year, he developed plantar fasciitis, which made it more difficult for him to continue playing.
Speaking of physical ailments, Woods revealed that his right leg has caused problems so far, but it's improving. The five-time Masters Champion said:
"I can still hit shots, but it's the walking endurance that's hard. That's something that we've had to work on, walking distances on the beach, just basically stress it out but also be able to recover by the next day and see how it is inflammationwise and then keep practicing. I may have overdone it a couple times here or there, but here I am."
3) Tiger Woods opens up about LIV Golf and PGA Tour issues
Woods, 47, is a strong supporter of the PGA Tour and has declined the $800 million contract of LIV Golf to stay loyal to the tours. Speaking about LIV golf, Woods said:
"I don't know what that reaction's going to be. I know that some of our friendships have certainly taken a different path, but we'll see when all that transpires."
4) Tiger Woods appreciates Rory McIlroy
Tiger Woods also spoke about his best friend Rory McIlroy at the conference. He called him "our ambassador." Woods said:
"It's been tough on him, but he's been exceptional. To be able to go through all that, I've been with him on all those conference calls and side meetings, and for him to go out there and play and win, it's been incredible."
5) "They're competitive spirits" - Tiger Woods on LIV golfers
LIV golf has been dominating the headlines for the past year. Ahead of the 2023 Genesis Invitational, Woods took a moment to share his opinion about the Saudi-backed series.
He said:
"It's been very turbulent. ... It's been difficult, there's no lie. We never would have expected the game of golf to be in this situation, but it is, that's the reality. Obviously, they're a competitive organization trying to create their best product they possibly can, and we're trying to create the best product that we think is the future of golf, how it should be played. How do we do that? We're still working on that."
