Tiger Woods Foundation could become big part of PGA Tour L.A. stop
Tiger Woods hasn’t played at the PGA Tour’s Los Angeles stop in 10 years, since he withdrew in after a nasty rain storm during the second round of what’s now called the Northern Trust Open in 2006.
However, with a new sponsor coming to the La-La Land stop in 2017, Woods could be coming back, too.
The Associated Press reports the Tiger Woods Foundation is in discussions with tournament officials about becoming the primary beneficiary of the annual event at Riviera Country Club. Northern Trust is exiting as sponsor of this event to become the sponsor of the first FedEx Cup playoff event, currently known as The Barclays. Hyundai, which had sponsored the year-starting Tournament of Champions, will become the title sponsor in Los Angeles, where it has its American headquarters. Hyundai and Woods’ foundation could team up for the event.
That would likely mean Woods would return to the Los Angeles event, provided, of course, that he’s healthy. Woods has undergone two back surgeries since September and is currently on the mend, with the status of his return to pro golf in doubt. Woods has played in tournaments which benefit his foundation, including the the Quicken Loans National, Deutsche Bank Championship in Boston and his Hero World Challenge in December, which had been played for several years in the L.A. area, where his foundation is also based.
There’s little reason to believe Woods wouldn’t play this event if a deal is reached.
Ryan Ballengee is a Yahoo Sports contributor. Find him on Facebook and Twitter.
LISTEN TO OUR WEEKLY GOLF PODCAST! This week: How will the Big Four adjust to superstardom?
