Tiger Woods carted off course with head in hands at Genesis Invitational as PGA Tour comeback cut short
Tiger Woods has been forced to withdraw from the Genesis Invitational due to illness on his PGA Tour comeback.
The 48-year-old, who hosts the event, was making his first official start since undergoing fusion surgery on his ankle last April.
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He was carted off the course after completing six holes on day two, quitting on one-over-par for the round and two-over-par for the tournament.
The PGA Tour were quick to announce on social media that the American legend pulled out as a result of illness, not injury.
Woods was pictured on a buggy making his way back to the clubhouse with his head in his hands.
Soon afterwards, there were worrying scenes as an ambulance arrived outside Riviera Country Club in California.
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Concerns grew as media gathered around the scene and Woods' trainer stood next to the ambulance, before a paramedic reportedly announced the golfer would not be using it.
Barstool Sports journalist Dan Rapaport posted: "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."
Woods' long-time business partner Rob McNamara later revealed that he was treated with an IV bag having suffered from a fever and flu-like symptoms, while feeling dizzy out on the course.
Woods was earlier seen struggling with what appeared to be a stomach bug and reports suggested the 15-time major winner endured a difficult night.
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Many expect Woods to compete at the Arnold Palmer Invitational in March, along with the Masters in April.
He has previously hinted at participating in one event per month this year, with his body now in significantly less pain.
But his latest exit means that the five-time Masters champ has only completed 72 holes twice in six attempts since the near-fatal car accident in February 2021.
He had a moment to forget in the first round on Thursday where he shanked an iron shot on the last hole to leave him one-over par.
It was an eventful day for the 15-time major champion, who made five birdies while also making six bogeys.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Woods revealed he has been suffering with back issues during the first round.
He said: "My back was spasming the last couple holes and it was locking up.
"I came down and it didn't move and I presented holes first and shanked it."
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Woods added on his shanked effort: "My back spasmed on it, it's been spasming the last three holes, and it just locked up on me.
"We have got some treatment ahead of us and some work to do, to be ready for Friday's round.
"But that's just part of the deal, and I look forward to the challenge."
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