Los Angeles Golf Club defeated Jupiter Links in the TGL finals, spoiling Tiger Woods’ return to competition after more than a year away. LAGC closed out the match with three straight eagles, securing a 9-2 victory and the SoFi Cup on Tuesday night.
Woods’ Return and Jupiter Links’ Defeat
Tiger Woods, who had been recovering from back surgery, decided to play for Jupiter Links after Los Angeles won the first match of the best-of-three series. Woods replaced Kevin Kisner in the lineup, having served as captain and cheerleader during his recovery. Despite his return, Jupiter Links were defeated.
Woods acknowledged his own performance contributed to the loss. “We got our ass kicked at the end,” Woods said. “Three eagles in a row. … I missed a short one to give them momentum, and we never got it back.”
Woods’ missed 3-foot putt on the seventh hole shifted the momentum to LAGC. The 15-hole match concluded in just 10 holes after that.
Key Moments in the TGL Final
Woods’ missed putt gave Los Angeles its first lead at 3-2. Tommy Fleetwood followed with a 12-foot eagle putt on the eighth. Max Homa’s suggestion to use the hammer backfired when Jupiter failed to capitalize on a par-5 during alternate shot.
Fleetwood drove into a bunker, and Woods hit 3-wood short of the bunker. Justin Rose then hit a shot out of the bunker to within 15 feet. Sahith Theegala made an eagle putt, giving LAGC a 6-2 lead going into singles play.
Homa missed the fairway on a par-5, forcing him to lay up. Rose hit the fairway, and his second shot landed within 4 feet. Los Angeles used the hammer, and Homa missed his putt, conceding the eagle and the $9 million team prize to Los Angeles Golf Club.
Woods Looks Ahead After Injury Layoff
Woods last played in early March 2023 before rupturing an Achilles tendon, and then he had back surgery in October. Woods had said TGL was just a step in his recovery. He did not confirm whether he would play in the Masters on April 9-12.
“This body … it doesn’t recover like it did when it was 24, 25. It doesn’t mean I’m not trying,” he said. “I’ve had a couple bad injuries here over the past years that I’ve had to fight through and it’s taken some time. But I keep trying.
Woods stated his desire to play and his intention to practice at home, aiming to make progress. He also confirmed he would be present at the Masters with The Loop and the champions dinner. Jupiter Links will receive $4.5 million as runners-up.