Share

Tiger eyes return to Phoenix

Phoenix - Tiger Woods is looking to play later this month at the PGA Phoenix Open, an event the former world number one has skipped since 2001, Golf magazine's website reported on Wednesday.

Woods has not played in the tournament, known for rowdy fans and loud cheers, since a spectator tossed an orange onto a green while he was putting. Woods was heckled by a spectator in 1999 who was later found to have a gun at the time.

Citing unnamed sources, the report said Woods has reserved a courtesy car for the event and booked rooms at a hotel in the area.

Tournament officials say Woods is not on the confirmed players list and the 14-time major winner, chasing the all-time record of 18 majors won by Jack Nicklaus, has not announced any of his planned schedule for the year.

Last month, Woods made his return from a four-month layoff due to a back injury at the Hero World Challenge in Florida and said he was planning some different events than his usual schedule for this year, but would not be specific about his intentions.

The event in Scottsdale finishes on February 1, just ahead of the National Football League's Super Bowl championship spectacle in another nearby Phoenix suburb, Glendale.

Woods would have until January 23, the Friday before the start of the event, to commit to the tournament, known for its boisterous crowds and an epic scene at the par-3 16th hole with fans cheering and yelling rather than the usual quiet decorum found at golf events.

Woods famously delighted the crowd with an ace at the 16th in 1997.

The US PGA Tour stop the week after Phoenix is at Torrey Pines, where Woods has won eight times and where he collected his most recent major title at the 2008 US Open.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2247 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE