Tiger Woods Unlikely for Players Championship After Missing Arnold Palmer Invitational

Tiger Woods, who is not participating in the Arnold Palmer Invitational this week, is unlikely to return next week for the Players Championship.

Speaking to reporters after his final TGL event of the season on Tuesday, Woods explained his "heart is really not into practicing" for a full tournament as he continues to grieve the death of his mother:

"Not really. This is the third time I’ve touched a club since my mom passed, so I haven’t really gotten into it. My heart is really not into practicing right now. I’ve had so many other things to do with the Tour and trying to do other things. Once I start probably feeling a little bit better and start getting into it, I’ll start looking at the schedule."

Kultida Woods died at the age of 80 on February 4. Tiger wrote a touching tribute to her on social media, calling her a "force of nature all her own" and his biggest fan.

Woods has been participating in TGL, which is the golf league he co-created with Rory McIlroy. The format is much less strenuous than a traditional PGA Tour event, as it combines elements of traditional golf with simulated indoor golf, and matches take place on a single day.

Since his mother's death, Woods has withdrawn from the Genesis Invitational (Feb. 13-16) and opted not to take part in the Arnold Palmer Invitational.

Woods also cited his work behind the scenes with the PGA Tour on the policy board as another reason for not wanting to participate in the Players Championship.

The last PGA Tour event Woods took part in was the Open Championship in July. His most recent appearance in the Players Championship was in 2019, finishing tied for 30th.

The 2025 Players Championship will take place from March 13-16 at TPC Sawgrass.