Tiger Woods will return to Riviera Country Club in two weeks to compete and host the Genesis Open.
Growing up near the course, Woods often visited and played Riviera, and later played its professional event at the tender age of 17. Though he failed to make the cut (72-75) that week, he showed the world what was to come on a course he'd always cherish.
"I can’t tell you how excited I am to be able to host and play in the 2018 Genesis Open at Riviera," Woods wrote, via genesisopen.com. "Unfortunately, last year my back was in bad shape and I was unable to participate.
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"What a difference a year makes. I had fusion surgery last April and recently competed in the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines, my first full-field event in a year and only my second since August of 2015. I finished T23, and all in all, it was a very positive start.
"It felt so good to be back with the guys and compete again. Words can’t describe how much I missed it. Most importantly, I was pain-free."
Somehow, throughout his career, Woods has never won at Riviera. Though he's been able to dominate courses like Torrey Pines, Augusta National, Bay Hill and Firestone Country Club, he's never found the same success at Riviera.
"I’ve had several chances to win at Riviera, but just haven’t gotten it done," he said. "Obviously, it would mean a lot to me, even more now as tournament host.
"I love coming back to SoCal and am very appreciative of the support I have received through the years. We have great golf fans and I hope you will come out to watch me and the guys on one of the best courses in the country. We have an outstanding field."