“We’ll be carrying him down the hill” – PGA Tour pros excited for Tiger Woods’ return to Genesis International

Tiger Woods committed to playing in the upcoming Genesis Invitational 2023 at Riviera Country Club on Friday. The ace golfer’s announcement was met with celebrations from fans around the world. Apart from fans, Woods’ fellow PGA Tour pros are also stoked to have him back on the pitch.

Woods’ return to the event, hosted by his foundation, is being treated like a win by many. This includes Max Homa and Jon Rahm, who have now revealed that they are excited to share the field with the 15-time major winner yet again. Homa even stated that the pros would be more than happy to carry him down the hill on 1 and up it on 18.

Speaking about Tiger Woods’ Genesis announcement, Max Homa was quoted as saying by Golf Week:

“That’s awesome. I imagine we’ll be carrying him down the hill on 1 and up it on 18. Which no one would mind. But it’s awesome. I’m really glad he’s back. I think we’re privileged any time he plays now. Obviously, we don’t know his schedule. Seems like he’s going to try to play the majors. So, it’s really awesome he’s playing a Tour event. Especially his event. One of my favorites.”

Homa, who won the Genesis title two years ago, went on to add that it’ll be “fun” having Tiger Woods on the field with him.

He said:

“So, I’m stoked to see him back out there. Yeah, he’s always remarkable. You never know what he’s going to do. So it will be fun to watch him play some golf.”

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"It’s incredible that he keeps trying" - Jon Rahm on Tiger Woods

Meanwhile, World No. 3 Jon Rahm has stated that it is “incredible” that Tiger Woods keeps trying to get back on the field despite his injuries.

Upon learning about Woods’ announcement, the Spaniard said:

“He’s playing Riv? Nice. Well I didn’t know. Great to hear. Great to hear. After all he’s gone through. It’s incredible that he keeps trying. Spoke to him at Bahamas. Everything he had on his leg and then you add the plantar fasciitis. I really feel for him in that sense.”

He hopes that the PGA Tour legend can somehow play “comfortably” unlike the last few times when he stepped on the pitch with injuries.

Rahm said:

“But I know he’s going to keep doing everything he can to still try to win more tournaments. Possibly get that 83rd win. Hopefully, obviously in his mind a major, right? So, it’s a true honor for all of us. Any time Tiger can be present on the golf course playing makes the tournament even better. So, I’m hoping he can play comfortably and I’m hoping he can play well.”

World No. 2 Scottie Scheffler also expressed his excitement at having Woods back.

Speaking at Scottsdale amid the Phoenix Open, he said:

“I’m just hearing that now. That’s exciting for us. It will be good to see him back out there next week.”

Other players, including the likes of Tom Kim, a self-admitted Tiger Woods fan, and Jason Day, Woods’ long-time friend, also shared their joy at having the legendary player back.