The TGR Jr Invitational and the Tiger Woods Invitational recently teed off at Pebble Beach Resorts in a heated competition of teeth and class. The juniors set off from October 11-13, while the pro golfers hit the clubs from October 13-15. However, despite the thrilling atmosphere, fans couldn’t help but feel the stinging absence of Tiger Woods. Addressing the fans’ disappointment, Woods recently released a statement on X.

Tiger Woods acknowledged his absence, saying he wanted to participate but his body had other plans. After undergoing lumbar disc replacement surgery last Friday, he’s now focused on recovery and rehabilitation. Expressing gratitude to fellow competitors and partners, Woods wrote on X:

“Wish I could be at Pebble Beach this week for the TGR JR Invitational and Tiger Woods Invitational. I want to thank our presenting partners, @TaylorMadeGolf and USLI. To the 60 junior golfers – keep pushing yourselves on and off the course. And to our TWI guests, thank you for your continued support of the event and the @TGRFound.”

The 49-year-old golf veteran revealed severe spinal pain and limited mobility after years of wear and injuries. Diagnosed with a collapsed L4/5 disc and fragments, Woods chose disc replacement surgery, calling it the right move for his long-term health.

However, the surgery will keep him out of competitive and even casual golf for an indefinite period. The recovery can take anywhere between 6-12 months, and rehab can stretch further. Despite facing his own struggles and setbacks, Woods extended his support to the juniors and the TWI guests. This goes on to show the golfing legend’s people-first personality. That attitude of Woods’ comes through in his initiatives like the TGR JR Invitational and the TGI.

Tiger Woods’ recent surgery marks his seventh back procedure since 2014, following several microdiscectomies and a spinal fusion that set the stage for his iconic 2019 Masters comeback. Unlike fusion, disc replacement helps maintain motion between vertebrae, giving Woods new optimism for a pain-free return to the game.

The Tiger Woods Junior Invitational welcomes 60 young golfers — 30 boys and 30 girls — across age groups of 10–12, 13–15, and 16–18 for an exciting competition at Pebble Beach. The event spans from The Hay to The Links at Spanish Bay, showcasing talented young players from around the world. Beyond the competition, it provides meaningful exposure and connects participants with the Tiger Woods Foundation’s mission of education and opportunity.

In contrast, the TGI offers a luxurious three-day golf experience designed for guests and donors. It blends friendly competition and world-class play with premium accommodations, featuring rounds at Pebble Beach Golf Links, Spyglass Hill, and The Links at Spanish Bay. More importantly, the event serves as a major fundraiser for the TGR Foundation, supporting programs that empower youth through education and mentorship.

Sponsored by TaylorMade and the USLI, these events have already impacted thousands of lives across America and the world.

Tiger Woods’ impact through the TGR Foundation

The TGR JR Invitational was the epitome of a junior event, where competition and learning met. Not only did it bring the golfing world’s top youth together in a showdown of talent and teeth, but it also provided essential learning and STEAM influence on the young golfers. With initiatives like the TaylorMade science & STEAM activation, the event integrated science with golf.

The players learned to apply physics to golf, understanding crucial topics such as slope, wind, and distance. The juniors also received custom tournament gear and TaylorMade Spider Tour putters.

Beyond golf, the TGR Foundation doubles as an education lab and fundraiser, empowering youth through STEM and career programs. With Learning Labs in Anaheim, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C., it has reached over 217,000 students.

In partnership with Discovery Education, the foundation continues expanding its global digital learning initiatives for underserved communities.

The 2023–24 TGR Foundation Annual Report highlighted significant growth, reaching 9,545 students through its educational programs. Of those served, 89% felt better prepared for their career goals, and 68% reported greater confidence in their skills.

With 7,688 students in Anaheim and 1,841 in Philadelphia, plus 516 educators trained nationwide, the Foundation continues to serve across the country. It has expanded access to quality STEM and career education for under-resourced youth across the U.S.

The TGI also serves a crucial role in the foundation’s growth. TGR reports that its live events have raised over $113 million to date, all proceeds going to the foundation. With the influence and financial impact of TGI guests, these events set a milestone in serving underprivileged youth across the world.