Grief really takes away from one’s passion and energy, and for Tiger Woods, this couldn’t be more true. As the golf world prepares for THE PLAYERS Championship, one of the most highly anticipated events on the PGA Tour calendar, Woods’ absence is a poignant reminder of the personal struggles he’s facing. This season, the tournament boasts an impressive 750 FedExCup points for the winner, making it a coveted title. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler is eyeing a historic three-peat, aiming to join the legendary Jack Nicklaus as the only three-time winners of the championship.
Woods, a two-time winner at The Players, hasn’t participated in the event since 2019. The decision comes as no surprise, given his recent personal loss – the sudden passing of his mother, Kultida, on February 4. Woods has been taking time to grieve and focus on his other commitments, admitting that “This is the third time I’ve touched a club since my mom passed, so I haven’t really gotten into it.”
He also shared, “My heart is not into practicing right now. I have so many other things to do with the tour. Once I start probably feeling a little bit better and start getting into it, I’ll start looking at the schedule.” His only way back to the tournament would be through his performance this year or potentially playing on the PGA Tour Champions after turning 50. For now, his focus is on healing and finding his way back to the game he loves.
THE PLAYERS Championship is the first of five events this season offering 750 FedExCup points to the winner.
World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler seeks to join Jack Nicklaus (1974, 1976, 1978) as the only three-time winners of THE PLAYERS Championship and become the first to win the… pic.twitter.com/fUyWFebpvo
— PGA TOUR Communications (@PGATOURComms) March 7, 2025
Woods’s decision to not play in the Players Championship isn’t the only time he was forced out of his passion because of heartache. Woods recently withdrew from the Genesis Invitational at Torrey Pines as well, citing the emotional toll of his mother’s unexpected death. Kultida Woods passed away at the age of 80, leaving Woods still processing his loss. In a statement, Woods shared his struggles with the decision, saying, “I planned to tee it up this week, but I’m just not ready… I did my best to prepare, knowing it’s what my mom would have wanted, but I’m still processing her loss.” So, amid all the pain and suffering, fans really can’t expect to see Woods anytime soon, or can they?
Where is Tiger Woods playing next?
After a disappointing performance at the 2024 Masters, where he finished with a record-high 72-hole score of 304, Tiger Woods might be eyeing a comeback at the 2025 Masters. Despite his struggles, Woods has never missed the cut as a pro at the Masters and holds a special record for most cuts made. It’s likely that he’ll take a break from sulking and wallowing and dust off his clubs for the 2025 Masters, where he’ll look to redeem himself and remind everyone of his incredible talent.
Woods’s recent performance at the 2024 Masters was a far cry from his usual dominance, with a 16-over score that left him in last place among the 60 players who made the cut. However, despite this disappointing finish, Woods remained optimistic, calling it a “good week” and expressing his intention to prepare for the upcoming majors. “Coming in here, not having played a full tournament in a very long time, it was a good fight on Thursday and Friday,” Woods said.
“Unfortunately (Saturday) didn’t quite turn out the way I wanted it to.” He also shared his plans for the future, saying, “I’m just going to keep lifting, keep the motor going, keep the body moving, keep getting stronger, keep progressing… Hopefully, the practice sessions will keep getting longer.” With his determination and passion for golf still burning bright, it’s exciting to think about what Woods might achieve at the 2025 Masters. Do you think he will make a triumphant return to the top of the leaderboard, or will he continue to face challenges on the course? Let us know in the comment section below!