Tiger Woods has announced he is to begin his 2017 season at the Genesis Open, at Riviera in Los Angeles.
The 40-year-old, who began his PGA Tour career at the same tournament in 1992 as a 16-year-old amateur, is looking to win the tournament for the first time. He finished second in 1998 and 1999. In 1998 he lost in a playoff to Billy Mayfair. It remains his only playoff defeat as a professional.
Woods returned to action earlier this month after a layoff of more than a year. The 14-time major winner finished in 15th place at the Hero World Challenge, despite recording the most birdies of any player in the field.
Tiger Woods competing in the Los Angeles Open in 1992. Picture by Bob Galbraith AP/Press Association Images
Announcing his participation in the event, Woods sounded excited by the chance of playing in the tournament for the first time since 2006.
"This is where it all started for me. It was my first PGA Tour event. I was 16-years-old... It was life changing for me".
Woods' foundation is also hosting the event. Playing in his home town, the February tournament will be Woods' first of what he hopes will be a healthy and successful season.
BREAKING NEWS: @TigerWoods commits to play in 2017 #genesisopen! Tickets: https://t.co/yMK5wRF9Cj pic.twitter.com/9YUDXkspZF
— Genesis Open (@genesisopen) December 13, 2016
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