This time last year, Tiger Woods joined Jim Nantz during television coverage of the Genesis Invitational. It didn’t take long for social media to pick up on Woods’ condition. Many speculated he wasn’t doing well, as he was coming off the heels of yet another surgery. Then, as everyone knows, a few days later Woods was involved in a single-car crash that resulted in significant damage to his legs.
(Photo by Dave Pinegar/Paul Popper/Popperfoto via Getty Images)
He wasn’t just lucky to walk again, he was lucky to survive.
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After a mere 10 months, Woods joined his son, Charlie, and played in the PNC Championship — and almost won the thing. Throughout the week there was one question everyone wanted an answer to — when would we see Woods back out on the course during a PGA Tour event? He didn’t have an answer.
And still doesn’t.
On Saturday, Woods joined Nantz and Sir Nick Faldo in the booth during the third round of the Genesis Invitational at Riviera Country Club. You could probably guess the first question Nantz posed to the 15-time major champion.
“You will see me on the PGA TOUR, I just don’t know when.” @TigerWoods joins Jim Nantz and @nickfaldo006 to discuss his rehab and return to golf. pic.twitter.com/tKzhH8pnJ5
— GOLF on CBS
(@GOLFonCBS) February 19, 2022
“I have not been running any marathons lately, none of that. I haven’t done any backflips or anything like that, no,” Woods said.
Nantz then asked if he was close to being healthy enough to play on Tour.
“I don’t know. I can hit balls. The hardest part is actually walking, and so, that’s going to take some time.”
After fighting off multiple questions in a row pertaining to his return, Woods admitted some nervous feelings about being inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame.
The speech is “going to be nerve-wracking. A lot of reflecting coming up.”
Tiger Woods and his son Charlie Woods walking down the 18th fairway during the final round of the PNC Championship golf tournament at Grande Lakes Orlando Course. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Reper-USA TODAY Sports
He has mixed feelings about reflecting on his career, however.
“Part of me obviously loves my past success and it’s easy to reflect. But a big part of me knows I can still play out here, and I still want to kick these guys butts.”
That’s the man we know and love.
But after a while, Nantz pressed a bit more, this time about the major total.
“You guys are really hammering me on this. I have a lot of work to do. I’ve been working my butt off to even get in this position. Long way to go but I’m able to hit golf balls. What level can I attain is a question mark.”
If you’re going to take anything away from Woods’ appearance, let it be this: The man still loves golf, and is doing everything in his power to return to the PGA Tour. He’ll never play a full schedule again and has come to terms with that — but that doesn’t mean he’ll never compete for championships again.
“You will see me on the PGA Tour, I just don’t know when.”
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