The Genesis Invitational seems to have been surrounded by an unlikely cloud of disappointment. Unexpectedly, the event’s host, Tiger Woods, had to withdraw because he caught Influenza. With his eventual withdrawal from Riviera, speculations about his elongated absence and unfulfilled tournament host duties were widespread. With a recent update, the speculations are now confirmed.

Tiger Woods will not be seen in the booth or on the 18th green as the event nears its conclusion. The 15-time major champion is still in recovery and is being treated for his sickness in Florida. Woods’s flu has hindered his host duties, as normally, the tournament host hands out the trophy to the winner. But in his absence, the foundation staff will be handling the trophy ceremony.

The news of his withdrawal had already spread a vast cloud of disappointment among his fans. The news of his absence from the tournament’s final day will also crush many fans’ hearts as they had waited for months to see GOAT re-enter the greens officially. Influenza has a recovery period of around two weeks, so it is possible that he will not be seen partaking in any events in March.

Instead, he might choose to save his energy for the Masters Tournament at Augusta National. But only time can attest to that. Speaking of time, how was the time that Tiger Woods spent playing on his season debut?

Rewinding our memory films to Tiger Woods’s stint at Riviera

Despite the saddening news of the 48-year-old’s prolonged absence from the Genesis Invitational, the time he spent both as the tournament host and as a part of the field was somewhat controversial. In his capacity as a tournament host, he could retain the provision of a cut in the signature events hosted by a player. However, this decision seems to have caused the ‘mastermind’ unexpected trouble. Why?

Read More: 3 Reasons to Believe Tiger Woods Is Wrong and the PGA Tour Indeed Needs PIF “Financially”

Well, after finishing the first round tied at 49th, just one up from the dreaded 50th place, things did not seem so good for Woods. His cutthroat fight in the second round was impeded by his health status. Shockingly enough, it was not the back spasms or his healing ankle, but the flu that got him out of competition and even somewhat discharged him of his duties as a host.

Surely, life is as unpredictable as one would guess, even for stars like Tiger Woods. Are you excited to see the GOAT inside the ropes again, all fit and healthy? Let us know in the comments below!

Watch This Story: Tiger Woods Takes Up a Daunting ‘7000 Yards’ Test Amid Playing Son Charlie Woods Second-in-Command