‘When and which tournament will Tiger Woods (USA) make his first sortie this year?’
Most American sports magazines and golf media outlets cited the hopeful news in the sports world in 2023, without fail, mentioning Tiger Woods’ 83 wins on the American Professional Golf (PGA) Tour, and 16 major wins going one step further. Although the odds seem very slim, many fans still support Woods’ strong spirit and charisma. His 83 career victories is a new record for the most victories in the PGA Tour, and his 16 major victories are one step closer to Jack Nicklaus (USA)’s 18 victories.
Right now, it is of great interest from when Woods’ first schedule of this year will be. Woods only participated in three tournaments last year. After suffering a fatal car accident in early 2021 that almost cost him his life, he miraculously returned through the Masters Tournament (47th place) in April of last year, but could not play the season with a body that was difficult to walk fully. He withdrew after three rounds at the PGA Championship (June), and at the 150th The Open Championship (July), waving to fans and tearful after missing the cut.
Some even criticized him for missing the right time to retire, but Woods still shows strong motivation for the green. Woods, who said, “I will not be able to participate in as many tournaments as before, but will only participate in important tournaments,” is expected to participate in four major tournaments and several PGA Tour big events this year.
The Masters Tournament, the first major tournament of the season to be held in April, is the most likely to be Woods’ first stage this year. Woods, who wore a green jacket five times in the past (1997, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2019), is devoted to the Masters enough to choose Augusta National GC as his return stage last year.
‘Golf Week’, an American golf media outlet, said on the 5th, “This year’s Masters all-day ticket will be $450, up from last year’s $375.” This reflects the expectations for Woods’ participation. 토토사이트
Besides the major tournaments, there are only a handful of tournaments that Woods might be interested in. Candidates include the Genesis Invitational (February), where he is the organizer, the Arnold Palmer Invitational (March), and the Memorial Tournament (June), which he has regularly participated in in the past.
Prior to that, the Farmers Insurance Open, which will be held in the last week of this month, is noteworthy in that it will be held at Torrey Pines GC, a “garden” where Woods won 8 victories including the 2008 US Open. Although he has not won more championships since 2012, Woods continued to compete in this tournament in 2019 and 2020 right before the car accident.
Woods, who tried to compete in the Hero World Challenge in December last year, but gave up due to aggravated pain from plantar fasciitis in his right foot, has since shown off his strength in two event competitions. If his physical condition is sufficiently recovered, the possibility of a surprise appearance against everyone’s expectations cannot be completely ruled out.