Inside Tiger Woods’ Candid Genesis Invitational Press Conference

It’s always good to hear from Tiger Woods, but those occasions have been limited since he’s been away from the game due to injury. On Tuesday, however, during his pre-tournament press conference at the Genesis Invitational—an event hosted by Tiger and his TGR Foundation—the 15-time major champion was in good spirits.

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He laughed, told some jokes, and gave plenty of insight into what’s happening behind the scenes with regard to both his playing status and the progress the PGA TOUR is making with its yet-to-be-finalized schedule.

As for the #GoodStuff, Tiger waxed poetic about Anthony Kim’s comeback victory Down Under over the weekend and dished on the former wunderkind’s natural talent.

If you weren’t able to catch Tiger’s presser, here’s everything you need to catch up on.

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Tiger Woods On Anthony Kim

“This kid hit it so good…He had so much natural talent. He could hit any shot he wanted,” Tiger said. “Then to see him struggle in life and didn't really want to play golf…for him to come all the way back and for him to win and to be as devoted as he is to his family, it's a story in which—you just have to wrap your heart around it because of the struggles.”

Kim’s win at LIV Golf Adelaide didn’t just captivate the golf world—it also broke into the mainstream. I know it’s only February, but it already feels like the story of the year.

Tiger Woods Gives a Recovery Update

Tiger Woods has played his cards close to the chest when it comes to his inevitable return. He hasn’t set a target date and has yet to confirm whether he’ll spend time on the Champions Tour now that he’s eligible following his 50th birthday in December.

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At Riviera, however, Tiger confirmed his Achilles is no longer an issue. The disc replacement, though, has been a challenge.

“It's just one of those things where it's each and every day, I keep trying, I keep progressing, I keep working on it, trying to get stronger, trying to get more endurance in this body and trying to get it at a level at which I can play at the highest level again,” Tiger said.

He’s able to hit full shots and had a very quick answer when asked if playing in the Masters is off the table: no.

Look at that smile, folks. He ain’t missing Augusta.

PGA TOUR Schedule Plans for 2027

“I thought I spent a lot of hours practicing in my prime. It doesn't even compare to what we've done in the boardroom,” Tiger said in regards to the TOUR’s effort to perfect its schedule. “It's been challenging. We're trying to do the right thing. We're making some great strides. The player directors have been unbelievable with their time and their focus and the depth of knowledge and perspective.”

Tiger stressed the importance of competitiveness. He said the TOUR will have more great players—he mentioned Brooks Koepka and Patrick Reed by name—and there will be fewer cards up for grabs. He also mentioned getting younger stars more involved, saying, “We're trying to create opportunities for that turnover coming from the PGA TOUR-U, or it's the Korn Ferry, and trying to get more youth out here because eventually they're going to take over the game.”

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While the changes aren't finalized, Tiger said that we'll see some of them implemented next season.

Tiger Woods, Ryder Cup Captain?

Everyone is waiting for the day when Tiger Woods is the captain of Team USA at a Ryder Cup. It’s going to happen eventually. We just don’t know when.

For the 2027 matches at Adare Manor, Tiger said the PGA of America has asked for his input on the captaincy.

“I haven’t made my decision yet,” he said. “I’m trying to figure out what we’re trying to do with our tour. That’s been driving me hours upon hours every day, trying to figure out if I can actually do our team—Team USA—and everyone involved in the Ryder Cup justice with my time.”

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