Tiger Woods Injury Update: Timeline of His Illness at the Genesis Invitational Explored

Things unraveled quickly for Tiger Woods at the Genesis Invitational. The first round ended on a disappointing note because of a shank. Whereas, the second round was cut short courtesy of a sudden withdrawal. The former World No. 1 carded 1-over 72 in the first round, and was 1-over par through the seventh hole on Friday.

Whether Woods could’ve made the cut or not remains an open question. The Hall of Famer ranked at the bottom in Greens in Regulation, Strokes Gained, and Driving Accuracy. Nevertheless, as he was finally carted off the course, we look at how it all went down at Riviera.

Back spasms that led to a shank

Tiger Woods failed to break par on his first official PGA Tour event since last year’s Masters thanks to a shank on the 18th. Woods’s approach veered right towards the eucalyptus tree lines. Speaking on it later, the 15-time Major Champion said, “My back spasmed on it. It had been spasming over the last three holes and it just locked up on me and didn’t move, didn’t rotate.”

Tiger Woods made candid remarks on his game

In the same interview, the 48-year-old said that there was still some rust that needed to be dusted off. “I’m going to be rusty and I have to do a better job at home prepping. We need to do a better job with lifting and treating and continuation of rehab protocols, all those things. I just haven’t done it in a while.” The fast greens at Riviera caught him off guard as well. 

The first sign of trouble came early

Woods was seen using a golf cart, something he once dreaded doing. On-ground reports reveal that the veteran golfer had to visit restrooms in between his shots. After Woods was carted off the course to the clubhouse, a paramedic truck and ambulance reached Riviera. The fear was that the 82-time PGA Tour winner might have injured his back again. That, however, proved only to be a precautionary measure from doctors.

Gary Woodland saw Tiger Woods struggling

When Gary Woodland came for the media interaction, the first question was about his playing mate, Tiger Woods. Woodland spoke candidly, revealing what he saw and felt.  “I saw it, he obviously wasn’t himself, just didn’t look right. Saw that before the round started. It sucks… He definitely was trying to fight through it and I hope he’s all right,” said the 39-year-old in the media interaction after the second round.

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

Finally, came the clarification from a close friend

Rob McNamara, a long-time friend of Tiger Woods and the executive VP of TGR, cleared the air. McNamara clarified that Woods didn’t suffer any back injury. Rather, he was down with a fever since last night. Friday morning looked better, but “then when he got out there and was walking and playing, he started feeling dizzy.” He was given IV but was not in a position to continue for the rest of the round. 

There hasn’t been any official statement from the veteran golfer. Tiger Woods said in December that he would tee off once a year going forward. Now that his first event went awry, it remains to be seen if there is a change of plan. 

Watch This Story: Tiger Woods Once Got Candid About His Divorce With Ex-wife Elin Nordegren