An unceremonious withdrawal waited for Tiger Woods fans at Riviera. Now that the first question—why did he withdraw?—is answered, the next one comes. What lies next? Woods said he would be playing one tournament a month at the Hero World Challenge last December. That was “realistic” for the five-time Masters champion.

But since he only completed 24 holes at the Genesis Invitational, is it likely that he would play before the Arnold Plamer Invitational? We believe it is. Woods might, in fact, tee up in less than two weeks.

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Where can Woods play next?

Tiger Woods was eying a return in the Genesis Invitational and then a month after that in the Arnold Palmer Invitational. That would be his two events before the Masters. Now that Woods had to withdraw from the first one, he might look at the three other events before heading to Orlando for the fourth Signature event. 

But, the Tour will return near Woods’s Jupiter home in between the two overseas outings with the Cognizant Classic at the Palm Beaches (previously known as the Honda Classic). Yes, the 15x Major champion was looking at a light schedule with one event a month. But since he didn’t even play two full rounds, Woods might be hungry to complete a 72-hole tournament, which he hasn’t done for over a year now.

Furthermore, it will also give him a competitive edge before the Arnold Palmer Invitational on March 7. Woods has played in the Honda Classic five times before, last in 2018 with a 12th-place finish. But there are enough reasons for Woods to tee up at Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hills Club & Lodge.

Why there is reason to believe Tiger Woods will return soon

Woods admitted there are rusts needing to be dusted off. His back locked in the 18th, resulting in a shank. His rehab protocols also need more attention, as the former World No. 1 admitted. That can only happen if Tiger Woods tees up more frequently. Furthermore, since it’s only influenza and not something ‘physical’, it is unlikely to take a toll on the former Masters champion for long.

Read More: Tiger Woods and His Bad Omen at Riviera

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