Tiger Woods arrived to TPC Sawgrass on Monday and dismissed any doubt that he might not be ready for this week’s Players Championship.
“Everything is good,” Woods told USA Today’s Steve DiMeglio. “I feel good. I needed last week off.”
According to DiMeglio, Woods arrived at the course shortly after noon and planned to hit range balls. He also said he’ll play nine holes Tuesday morning before his press conference, which is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. ET.
😎 @TigerWoods has arrived @THEPLAYERSChamp. pic.twitter.com/KLYSHvDAhc
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) March 11, 2019
Woods withdrew from the Arnold Palmer Invitational last Monday, citing a neck strain that’s bothered him the past couple of weeks.
“I’ve been receiving treatment, but it hasn’t improved enough to play,” Woods wrote. “My lower back is fine, and I have no long-term concerns, and I hope to be ready for The Players.”
While Woods’s WD put a scare into the golf world, he said on Monday that there was no reason to push it.
“Not at my age,” he said. “Can’t do that anymore.”
Woods, who said he did light practicing on Saturday, last played at the WGC-Mexico Championship. He wore KT Tape on his upper back — which he also did at the 2018 British Open — and tied for 10th.
Woods is grouped with Patrick Reed and Webb Simpson for the opening two rounds of the Players. Official tee times have not yet been released.
@TigerWoods spent nearly 3 hours putting, chipping and going through entire bag on range. And some 30 minutes talking. #PlayersChampionship2019 pic.twitter.com/2jwiOh270n
— Steve DiMeglio (@Steve_DiMeglio) March 11, 2019