Tiger Woods will make his first PGA Tour appearance of 2025 at the Genesis Invitational after back surgery

Tiger Woods is set to return to the PGA Tour next week at the Genesis Invitational, marking his first official event of 2025. The 15-time major champion, who last played in a PGA Tour event at The Open in July, has spent months recovering from lower back surgery while dealing with the personal loss of his mother. Now, he is ready to tee off once again.

At 49, Woods has struggled to regain consistent form since his career-altering car crash in 2021. He has played just 11 competitive events since then, often battling physical limitations. His last non-major PGA Tour appearance was at the Genesis Invitational in 2024. Now, a year later, he returns to the same tournament, which has been relocated to Torrey Pines due to the recent Los Angeles wildfires.

Torrey Pines holds a special place in Woods’ legendary career. He famously won the 2008 U.S. Open at the venue despite playing on a severely injured knee, triumphing in a dramatic playoff. His return to this iconic course, now hosting the Genesis Invitational from February 13-16, adds another layer of anticipation to his comeback.

Woods has been slowly reintroducing himself to competitive golf. In December, he played alongside his son, Charlie, in an exhibition event, offering glimpses of his form. January saw him compete twice in the TGL, but the Genesis Invitational will be his true test against the world’s best.

The Genesis Invitational remains one of the PGA Tour’s premier events, boasting a limited but elite field and a lucrative prize purse. Fans will also get to see Rory McIlroy in action, adding further excitement to an already stacked lineup.

Woods’ return raises several questions. Can he withstand the physical demands of a four-day tournament? Will his back hold up under pressure? While he missed the cut in three of last year’s four majors, Woods has a habit of defying expectations.

As he prepares to walk the fairways of Torrey Pines once more, the golfing world watches with bated breath. His journey back to the PGA Tour is not just about sport—it’s about resilience, legacy, and the enduring fight of a champion.