Tiger Woods has been a doubt for the Players Championship after confirming his ‘heart is really not into practising’ following the death of his mother.
The 15-time major champion missed the Genesis Invitational last month after Kultida Woods passed away on Tuesday, February 4.
She was 80 years old.
Woods competed in a TGL event on Tuesday night, where both his Jupiter Links GC and Rory McIlroy‘s Boston Common Golf teams were eliminated after failing to reach the play-offs.
“This is the third time I’ve touched a club since my mom passed so I haven’t really gotten into it,” the legendary golfer said, after his final TGL match.
“My heart is really not into practising right now. I’ve had so many other things to do with the Tour and trying to do other things.
“Once I start probably feeling a little bit better and start getting into it, I’ll start looking at the schedule.”
Despite Woods’ heartbreaking admission, NBC analyst Brad Faxon has suggested the 49-year-old is fit enough to feature at the Players Championship.
The two-time Ryder Cup player appeared to give an encouraging update on Woods following his involvement at the exclusive Seminole Pro-Member event earlier this week.
“Tiger drove it out there with Keegan (Bradley) on every shot. He walked all 18 holes there was not even a limp,” Faxon said, citing a conversation with a caddie on the day.
“He’s certainly in condition to play.
“Hopefully for us at NBC, and all fans, he plays the Players Championship.”
With his participation very much a hot topic, Woods has until 5pm eastern time on Friday to commit to next week’s tournament.
While the golf legend hasn’t made a PGA Tour start yet in 2025, he did tee it up on Monday amidst several of the game’s top pros at Seminole.
The long-running event in south Florida is known for its elite field, and Woods teamed with former PGA of America CEO Seth Waugh.
Their foursome, according to the PGA Tour’s official website, was set to be rounded out by Bradley and former NBA pro Shane Battier.
Play was not televised, but news of the scores have since emerged.
Woods and Waugh finished well down the pack in the gross format, carding a 71 to tie for 54th in the 94-team, 18-hole showdown.
They did slightly better in the net leader board, which takes into account the amateur competitors’ handicaps, where they finished in a tie for 26th.
McIlroy, Rickie Fowler, Justin Thomas, Ernie Els and Tom Brady were some of the other big names stars playing the Seminole.
After withdrawing from the Genesis Invitational following the death of his mother, Woods said he was hoping to play some of the ‘bigger events’ heading into the Masters.
While he hasn’t specifically committed to any as yet, Faxon’s suggestion that he is ‘in condition’ to feature at the Players Championship will mean all eyes will be on any announcement come Friday afternoon.
