Tiger Woods forced to WD from Genesis as paramedics rush to Riviera
Tiger Woods forced to withdraw during the second round of the Genesis Invitational as ambulance crew sent to Riviera as precaution.
Tiger Woods was forced to withdraw from the second round of the Genesis Invitational due to a fever, as paramedics were called to Riviera as precaution.
Woods, 48, had only played six holes of the second round of the PGA Tour event he hosts annually before calling it a day.
The hall of fame golfer was picked up by a golf cart on the 7th at Riviera Country Club.
Woods left the course with his head in his hands as he was driven to the clubhouse.
Update: Tiger Woods' long-time confidante reveals why he WD from Genesis Invitational
It was not immediately clear whether Woods was suffering from back or leg pain or whether he was struggling from illness.
Sky Sports then reported Woods had felt unwell over night - and that was the official reason for his decision to walk out on his PGA Tour return.
Woods had been making his first official start on the PGA Tour in 10 months having spent time recovering from ankle surgery after the 2023 Masters.
Woods was at 2-over par for the event when he withdrew and outside of the cut mark.
The 15-time major champion was 1-over par for the day playing alongside his good friend Justin Thomas and Gary Woodland.
As Woods headed off the course in the golf cart, so too did hundreds of golf fans who were watching his every move on Friday.
It is understood at least half the gallery following Woods' group had left by the time Thomas and Woodland reached the turn.
According to ESPN reporter Paolo Uggetti, the Pacific Palisades Fire Department received a 'medical request' call from Riviera at the time of Woods' WD from the Genesis Invitational at 1.45pm local time.
Images soon surfaced on social media of a Los Angeles Fire Dept truck located outside of the clubhouse with hundreds of media waiting for the emergence of Woods.
Uggetti tweeted:
Just spoke to a PIO at LA County Fire who said that the Pacific Palisades fire department received a “medical request” call from Riviera at 1:45 p.m. today.
They confirmed that no one was transported back in the ambulance but gave no further details.
— Paolo Uggetti (@PaoloUggetti) February 16, 2024
According to Barstool Sports' Dan Rapaport, a parademic went in to see Woods and then came out saying 'he's not coming out'.
Word now is that Tiger’s not gonna leave Riviera in an ambulance. Paramedic went into that door and came out saying “he’s not coming out.” Bizarre scenes. https://t.co/8CwlyMzW8s
— Dan Rapaport (@Daniel_Rapaport) February 16, 2024
It then emerged from Woods' camp that he was treated with an IV bag for flu-like symptoms.
Woods was reportedly feeling dizzy and dehydrated on the golf course.
"Some type of flu," said Rob McNamara, EVP of TGR Ventures.
Read McNamara's full comments following Woods' WD from the Genesis Invitational:
Woods explained after his opening round of 1-over 72 that he was struggling with back spasms towards the end of play on Thursday.
One spasm, he said, caused him to hit a shank at the final hole.
"My back was spasming the last couple holes and it was locking up," he said. "But that's just part of the deal, and I look forward to the challenge."
Woods' most recent win on the PGA Tour was at the 2019 ZOZO Championship in Japan when he equalled Sam Snead's record of 82 Tour titles.
His schedule has been limited since he injured a leg in a car crash in 2021.
Woods' week had begun on a positive note with the unveiling of his new Sun Day Red company in association with TaylorMade.
But it has unfortunately ended on a sour note following yet another withdrawal.
Woods has made six official starts since his car accident in Los Angeles in February 2021.
He has finished 72 holes just twice since then with one missed cut and three WDs.
Read next:
