Tiger Woods committed on Friday to play in next week’s Memorial Tournament. It is the first PGA Tour event the 44-year-old has entered since the restart of the season on June 11.
The last tournament Woods played in was the Genesis Invitational at Riviera Country Club on Feb. 16. He finished 68th, last among those that made the cut, and said at the time he wasn’t pleased with his game.
“Good news, I hit every ball forward, not backwards, a couple sideways,†Woods said after his final round. “But overall, I’m done.â€
Five months later, and it appears he is looking forward to playing again. Woods posted on Twitter the news that he would be at the Memorial Tournament.
Woods Results at Memorial Tournament Mixed
The Memorial Tournament has been a fairly regular event on Woods’ schedule. Part of that is the strong field it attracts. Another reason is because his hero, Jack Nicklaus, hosts the tournament.
Last year, Woods talked about how many memories he has at Muirfield Village, located in Dublin, Ohio.
“Yeah, there have been,†Woods said regarding special moments there. “I’ve been playing here for a long time. I’ve won Jack’s event a few times.â€
Tiger Woods at Memorial
| Year | Odds to Win | Finish |
| 2019 | 12/1 | T-9 |
| 2018 | 20/1 | T-23 |
| 2017 | Did not play | DNP |
| 2016 | Did not play | DNP |
| 2015 | 25/1 | 71 |
| 2014 | Did not play | DNP |
| 2013 | 9/4 | T-65 |
| 2012 | 12/1 | 1 |
| 2011 | Did not play | DNP |
| 2010 | 6/1 | T-19 |
Source: Golfodds.com, PGA Tour
Woods has won the Memorial Tournament five times, the most recent in 2012. His record over the last six years has been spotty, playing only three times. Injuries to his back and knee were the reasons he did not play in 2014, and 2016-17.
Woods had his four back surgeries, the last a spinal fusion in 2017. He came back to win the 2019 Masters, his 15th major championship.
In order to protect his back Woods has scaled back the number of tournaments he plays now. In 2019, Woods played in 12 events. Tens years before that he entered 21 official events.
Woods Can Pass Snead
When Woods won the ZOZO Championship in October, it tied him with Sam Snead for most career victories at 82. Now Woods has a chance to break the record at next week’s Memorial Tournament.
It is a mark that Woods would love to achieve. He told reporters after tying Snead that he has a better outlook after his injuries.
“I didn’t know if I would ever play again,†Woods said. “I was just hoping to be able to walk normal again. To be able to go through all that to get to where I’m at now, I’m very appreciative.â€