Tiger Woods goes on scouting mission as peers wax lyrical on latest comeback

Tiger Woods was pictured on a scouting mission at the venue of the 2023 U.S. Open before playing in his first regular PGA Tour event since his car crash.

Ben Smith

14 Feb 2023

Tiger Woods goes on scouting mission as peers wax lyrical on latest comeback — Tiger Woods goes on scouting mission as peers wax lyrical on latest…

Tiger Woods skipped the 2022 U.S. Open, preferring to focus on his appearance at the landmark Open at St Andrews.

But it appears that Woods, to all intents and purposes, will be playing the major that he's won three times in 2023.

According to Golfweek's Adam Schupak, Woods arrived at Los Angeles Country Club on 13 February for a scouting mission.

He is said to have been given a U.S. Open yardage book and explored the course with his right-hand man Rob McNamara and the CEO of Hero Motors Dr. Pawan Munjal.

Woods, 47, who won the 2000, 2002 and 2008 U.S. Open, reportedly did not hit any shots and didn't have his clubs on the cart.

He was pictured holding his Scotty Cameron Newport 2 GSS prototype though.

See here:

#PHOTOS: Tiger Woods scouts Los Angeles Country Club today in advance of the US Open Scotty in hand, Footjoys on feet. Let’s goo
(: @JustinWheelon & 43_lifestyle_ / IG) pic.twitter.com/MvKIbKrcIF
— TWLEGION (@TWlegion) February 14, 2023

The 15-time major champion previously explained that he was planning on playing all majors in 2023 then perhaps one or two others.

That was before he developed plantar fasciitis in December - pain in the heel - that forced him to skip his own PGA Tour event in Albany, Bahamas.

Woods made the shock announcement that he would play in the forthcoming Genesis Invitational at Riviera.

Even his peers were surprised that Woods claimed he was "actually ready" to play in a PGA Tour event.

GolfMagic recently discussed Woods' imminent return to action on our latest episode of From The Tips.

Watch that here:

Or click here to listen

The Genesis Invitational will mark Woods' first regular PGA Tour start since the ZOZO Championship in October 2020.

That was before Woods crashed at high speed in the Los Angeles Hills which led to fears his career was over.

Woods was filmed heavily limping during his most recent appearances.

He used a cart during the most recent edition of The Match and his physical appearance at Pelican appeared to suggest that Woods had a long way to go before he could (ever?!) walk 72 holes and compete on tour.

How will Tiger Woods get on at the Genesis next week?
— GolfMagic (@GolfMagic) February 10, 2023

What Tiger's peers said of his return

Jason Day:

"That's great. That's awesome. That's actually really good news. I'm actually really happy about that. It's good that he's out, he can walk and it's nice to be able to see that. So, yeah, I'm excited to see him next week. That's going to be fun."

Scottie Scheffler:

"That's exciting for us. It will be good to see him back out there next week."

Tom Kim:

"I think it's great for the game. As a player, even me a big fan of Tiger, it's going to be awesome for him to be in the field. Hopefully I can kind of work myself up and kind of hopefully play with him if I get the chance."

Max Homa:

"That's awesome. I imagine we'll be carrying him down the hill on 1 and up it on 18. Which no one would mind. But it's awesome. I'm really glad he's back. I think we're privileged any time he plays now."

How do you think Tiger Woods will fare at the Genesis Invitational? Don't hesitate to Tweet us and let us know.

Next page: Tiger Woods 2023 schedule