Tiger Woods withdraws from Genesis Invitational because of flu-like symptoms

Woods, who was playing in his first official PGA Tour event since last April’s Masters, was one over par after his first round in California.

The 48-year-old was driven off the course on a cart after teeing off on the seventh hole of his second round.

Woods went to the clubhouse for two hours and was given intravenous fluids.

The 15-time major champion then walked to his car before leaving the tournament he is hosting at Riviera Country Club.

His business partner Rob McNamara said Woods’ withdrawal was unrelated to his long-standing injury problems.

The American’s schedule has been limited since injuring his leg in a car crash in 2021 and he last played in December. He is still adapting after having ankle fusion surgery in April 2023.

The former world number one had back spasms towards the end of his first round on Thursday when he uncharacteristically shanked an approach shot on the 18th hole.

“Not physical at all. His back is fine. It was all medical illness, dehydration… the symptoms are reversing themselves now that he’s had an IV [drip],” said McNamara.

“He had a little bit of a fever and was better during the warm-up, but then when he got out there and was walking and playing, he started feeling dizzy.

“Ultimately the doctors are saying he’s potentially got 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 had started his second round with a birdie at the par-five first hole but dropped shots at the fourth and fifth before he withdrew.

Overnight leader Patrick Cantlay extended his advantage with a six-under-par 65 to reach 13 under, five shots clear of fellow American Luke List, Australian Jason Day and Canada’s Mackenzie Hughes who share second.

England’s Tommy Fleetwood is on four under alongside world number one Scottie Scheffler, while world number two Rory McIlroy has made the cut.

The four-time major champion struggled to a 74 in the first round, but recovered with a five-under-par 66 to put him at two under.

Meanwhile, former world number one Jordan Spieth was disqualified for the first time in his career after the 30-year-old American signed an incorrect scorecard.

The PGA Tour said Spieth signed for a three on the par-three fourth hole, when he had actually shot a four.

“Today, I signed for an incorrect scorecard and stepped out of the scoring area, after thinking I went through all procedures to make sure it was correct,” Spieth wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

“Rules are rules, and I take full responsibility. I love this tournament and golf course as much as any on the PGA Tour so it hurts to not have a run at the weekend.”

Among those to miss the cut of one over were American Justin Thomas and England’s Matthew Fitzpatrick.