Tiger to play in Arizona, then head to Florida
Tiger Woods, who began his 2013 PGA TOUR season by winning the Farmers Insurance Open, has committed to three upcoming PGA TOUR events.
He will play in the World Golf Championships-Accenture Match Play Championship, Feb. 20-24 at The Golf Club in Dove Mountain in Marana, Ariz. The 64-player tournament, which offers an $8,750,000 total purse, will feature the top four players in the Official World Golf Ranking: Rory McIlroy, Woods, Luke Donald and Brandt Snedeker.
Tiger tied for 17th last year, but previously won the event in 2003, 2004 and 2008, and was runner-up in 2000. Hunter Mahan is the defending champion.
Next up for Woods is The Honda Classic, Feb. 28-March 3 at PGA National Champion Course in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. The tournament boasts a $6 million purse, and McIlroy is the defending champion.
Last year, Woods tied for second place, two shots behind McIlroy. Tiger forged a furious final-round charge by shooting a bogey-free, 8-under-par 62, his lowest score since the 2009 BMW Championship and lowest final round of his career. Woods posted nines of 31-31 and carded two eagles.
“I’m excited to be playing in the Honda Classic again,” said Woods. “It’s a really good tournament, and it does a lot for the community. I like the golf course, and I came pretty close last year. It’s part of a busy stretch for me, and I want to continue playing well.”
Tiger will also play in the World Golf Championships-Cadillac Championship, March 7-10 at TPC Blue Monster at Doral in Miami, Fla. It features an $8,750,000 purse, and Justin Rose will defend his title.
Woods has won the event six times — in 1999, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2006 and 2007. He also captured the 2005 and 2006 Ford Championship at Doral.
Last year, Tiger opened with rounds of 72-67-68, but withdrew after 11 holes in the final round due to a left leg injury. Woods felt pain in his left Achilles warming up and limped noticeably during the round. After hitting his tee shot on the 12th hole, he couldn’t continue.
