“I’m going to try and beat you,” Tiger Woods expresses confidence over stunning return to form at the Genesis Invitational 2023
Tiger Woods shows his ever confidence self at the press conference after the first round of the Genesis Invitational 2023.
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Credits: Golf Week
Tiger Woods has just pulled a stunning performance at the Genesis Invitational 2023 after shooting two-under 69 in the tournament’s first round. This marks Woods’ return to competitive golf after an eight-month hiatus due to prolonged back and hip injuries. However, despite the setbacks, Woods is confident of performing his best in this tournament.
Speaking to the press at the post-tournament conference, Tiger Woods was delighted to be paired alongside Rory McIlroy and Justin Thomas. He says, “It was nice that I had this unbelievable pairing. Two great guys, two great friends and the atmosphere was fantastic. The people were obviously very supportive. It just made this tournament better. I happened to actually hit some good shots finally and made a couple of putts. Even though I had a few mishaps at 10, I got back and got it going.”
Woods became one of the greatest stars coming out of this tournament after he birdied his first and eighth holes at Riviera. He is currently tied for 27th, with just five shots off the lead from the leaders Max Homa and Keith Mitchell.
Related: WATCH: Tiger Woods performs his best and surprises everyone at his first LA Open competition age 16
Tiger Woods appears to ooze with confidence after the first round at Genesis Invitational 2023
Tiger Woods is a 15-time major champion and 82 PGA Tour winner, which marks his legendary status in golf. However, a car accident in 2021 severely hindered his performance capabilities and forced him to take a long hiatus from golf.
In the past eight months, Tiger Woods only participated in the Open Championship 2022 back in July last year. Since then, he has only participated in non-PGA tournaments, one of which was the PNC Championship with his son Charlie.
Despite being out of competition for so long, Tiger Woods still maintains the competitive spirit that all the fans love and adore for this legend. In the press conference, he says, “I know that players have played and they are ambassadors of the game trying to grow the game. I can’t wrap my mind around that. As a competitor, if I’m playing the event. I’m going to try and beat you. Just playing and just trying to be out here with the guys now that’s not in my DNA.”
Woods, however, also candidly opens up about the health issues that he has been facing. At 47, people often cannot wrap their minds around how consistent he still is. On the other hand, Woods is facing some serious injury issues, having recently been diagnosed with a condition around his heel and arch called plantar fasciitis.
Reflecting on his health, he still appears confident and says, “I can still hit shots, but it’s the walking endurance that’s hard. That’s something that we’ve had to work on, walking distances on the beach, just basically stress it out but also be able to recover by the next day and see how it is inflammationwise and then keep practicing. I may have overdone it a couple times here or there, but here I am.”
Tiger Woods first debuted in the Genesis Invitational in 1992 at 16. 31 years later, the tournament is now organized by his Foundation, and the golf community considers him one of the favorites to win. If Tiger Woods wins this tournament, it will mark his first win at the LA Open, thus grabbing him another landmark victory for his career.
In case you missed it:
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WATCH: Tiger Woods returns in style after shooting a classy two-under 69 at Genesis Invitational
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Siddid Dey Purkayastha
(528 Articles Published)