Genesis Invitational Notes: Tiger Gets a New Caddie, Hoffman Plays His Way In After Snubbed by Woods

It’s going to be a fresh start for Tiger Woods in many respects this weekend at The Genesis Invitational.

Woods will be playing his first official tournament since last year’s Masters, he is debuting a new clothing line, and he’ll also have a new caddie for the event.

Golfweek reports that Woods will have veteran looper Lance Bennett on his bag this weekend. Bennett has worked with several winners on the PGA and LPGA Tours, including Matt Kuchar, Sungjae Im, Davis Riley, Lorena Ochoa, Paula Creamer, and Juli Inkster.

Bennett currently caddies for PGA Tour rookie Adrien Dumont de Chassart, who is not in the field this week. It’s been reported that Woods may use multiple caddies this year, which may include his son, Charlie.

Tiger has a new caddie this week at Riv. Story here: https://t.co/Gr1rKBopwB

— Adam Schupak (@AdamSchupak) February 12, 2024

There will be a Charley—same name, different spelling—at the Genesis. Charley Hoffman tried getting a sponsor’s exemption into this weekend’s event at Riviera, but Woods—who is the tournament organizer—told him that all the spots were filled.

So Hoffman had to get into the tournament the old-fashioned way: He had to earn it.

The longest drive on 18 by 12 yards!

Leader Charley Hoffman saved his best for last. pic.twitter.com/vDP4UtkDgk

— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) February 11, 2024

He nearly got in by winning the Waste Management Phoenix Open. Even though Hoffman lost in a playoff, however, he still qualified by getting into “The Swing 5,” which is the top-five point-getters in the events leading up to this week’s Signature Event.

Hoffman was told he got enough points to qualify during his post-round interview, which turned his mood around after falling short in the playoff to Nick Taylor.

Hoffman said:

“That’s awesome. I’m excited about that. I guess I’m playing next week and not going skiing.”

The other four who earned spots in the field are Grayson Murray, Christiaan Bezuidenhout, Kevin Yu, and Justin Thomas.

Cover Image via Golf Magazine