Tiger Woods left in awe as "truly special" performance wins Genesis Invitational

Tiger Woods has praised Genesis Invitational winner Hideki Matsuyama for a “truly special” performance, carding an incredible nine-under 62 – one shot shy of the course record.

The remarkable comeback saw Matsuyama finish three shots ahead of second-place Will Zalatoris. Woods was due to play the tournament but the 15-time major winner was forced to pull due to illness on Friday, just six holes into his second round.

Woods, the tournament host, would have usually been present to hand the trophy over to the winner but his absence left Matsuyama disappointed. “To win in this tournament was one of my goals ever since I became pro,” Matsuyama said.

“After Tiger being the host, that goal became a lot more bigger. A little disappointed that I wasn’t able to take a picture with Tiger today.”

Woods has sent Matsuyama a personal message, though, and the 31-year-old could get a chance to get a picture with Woods at some point in the future. The 48-year-old says he watched Sunday’s action unfold. “Congratulations to @hidekiofficial_ on an incredible win at @thegenesisinv. I was watching all day and seeing a record breaking 62 and coming from six shots back is truly special,” he said on X.

Woods lasting just 24 holes at the tournament before withdrawing has raised questions over his future. According to the Daily Mail, Woods wants to retire but continues to play and make appearances to support his brand. “If Tiger could retire, he would,” a source told the outlet.

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Hideki Matsuyama finished three shots ahead of second-place Will Zalatoris

“His body is beat up but, for his brand, he still has to make and keep appearances and make a go at it. After his car accident, he thought that was it. There was almost an amputation in play, so to be back even at all is sort of a miracle.

“Now with this recent illness that had him bow out of the latest tournament, that is unfortunate. But he will be back because he has to support his new brand Sun Day Red, and everything else in his world.”

The executive vice president of TGR Ventures issued an update on Woods’ condition. Rob McNamara said: “Ultimately the doctors are saying he’s got some – potentially some type of flu and that he was dehydrated. He’s been treated with an IV bag and he’s doing much, much better and he’ll be released on his own here soon.”

Woods’ car crash in February 2021 shattered bones in his right leg and he has admitted won’t be able to play golf full-time “ever again”. Woods told Golf Digest: “I think something that is realistic is playing the tour one day – never full-time, ever again – but pick and choose, just like Mr [Ben] Hogan did.”

He added that his golf schedule will be carefully selected: “Pick and choose a few events a year and you play around that.”