Genesis Open Day 2: Tiger Woods Withdrawal, Shattered Comeback Dream & Medical Illness

It was his 2024 PGA Tour debut. The fans of the golfing legend were ardently watching the professional in his element. Suddenly, a piece of bad news hit the golf world. The 48-year-old left the course in a cart with the rules officials. Yes, we are talking about Tiger Woods and his withdrawal from the third signature event at Riviera.

It was an eventful start for Mr. T at the limited-field tourney when he hit a 1-over par 72 on his first day. However, who would have honestly thought Lady Misfortune would cast its shadows on the athlete during his second round? An ambulance was spotted arriving at the gates of the Country Club!

Tiger Woods withdraws from the Genesis Invitational

The host of the signature event marked the 13th withdrawal of his career on the PGA Tour. He was rushed out of the same after playing six holes and hitting his tee shot at the seventh, following which television cameras spotted him with his head in his hands inside the cart. Meanwhile, the official PGA Tour app displayed his name as WD from the tournament.

Nothing short of devastating news for the golfer’s ardent followers, who were awaiting his return to the course. Although ‘Sky Sports’, the broadcasting network, reported the issue to be a stomach-related one for the 82-time PGA Tour champ, nothing had been confirmed until Rob McNamara provided more clarity on the matter a while back. In the meantime, the ambulance arrived at the course, causing major worry in the hearts of his fans once again.

However, reports indicated the 15-time major champ did not require an ambulance, as ‘TWLEGION’, a fan page following the golfer, updated the situation. Daniel Rapaport described the same in a tweet, as he mentioned how “Paramedic went into that door and came out saying ‘he’s not coming out,'” before going ahead to dub it as “bizarre scenes.” 

Fortunately, McNamara came forward and disclosed the truth behind his withdrawal. As per his revelation, the 48-year-old had started feeling some “flu-like symptoms last night.” Although it worsened the following day, the golfer felt better during warm-up but started to feel dizzy. Nevertheless, he set aside any rumors surrounding an injured back as the reason behind his pulling out. But even so, before Woods was rushed out on the cart, a couple of things did take place during the second day of play at the Genesis Invitational!

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An eventful second day for Woods at Riviera

Before his withdrawal, the 1997 Masters Tournament champ was spotted wearing his old partner’s socks on the greens. Yes, it was Nike, alright! Even though the two split a while back following a 27-year-old alliance, the pro can’t seem to let go of the same as he donned the socks sporting a Swoosh before going ahead to put on his Sun Day Red shoes.

Another instance showcased the legend limping on the course at the 2024 Genesis Invitational while sporting a leg sleeve as well for warmth. That, coupled with the back spasms, does paint a bleak picture regarding the golfer’s performance. Interestingly, he had carded six bogeys and five birdies on the first day, including a terrible shank owing to the back spasms.

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