Will Tiger Make a Stop in Tampa This Year?

While everyone is currently focusing on Tiger’s next showing at next week’s Genesis Open, rumor has it he may be contemplating tuning up for the Masters at the Valspar Open in Tampa in March.

Tiger Woods of the United States watches his tee shot on the first…

Tiger Woods of the United States watches his tee shot on the first hole during the final round of the 2015 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 12, 2015 in Augusta, Georgia. Get premium, high resolution news photos at Getty Images

The Valspar Championship officials released a list of players committed to the tournament, likely committed, and those who have not said no. And for the first time since it became a PGA Tour event in 2000, Tiger Woods is on the list…sort of.

“Really, this is the best chance,” Valspar tournament director Tracy West said. “Actually, about winter of last year we thought perhaps maybe, but then that didn’t happen. We are still on the possibility list. At least we are not a no.”

After the Genesis Open, Woods is committed to zero tournaments. I imagine he’s taking a wait and see approach, not looking to far ahead considering the health and performance challenges he faced is his previous comebacks.

Tiger Woods during Sunday play at Torrey Pines. Robert Beck TK1 )

Tiger Woods during Sunday play at Torrey Pines. Robert Beck TK1 ) Get premium, high resolution news photos at Getty Images

And while there will be some big name first timers this year at Innisbrook in Sergio Garcia and Rory McIlroy, a Tiger Woods commitment to the tournament would have a huge impact.

“His team knows that you don’t just snap your fingers and be ready for Tiger,” explains West. “He does dramatically change your operation like no other player does. You have to change everything, your volunteers, how much food you have, your parking. Everything. He makes that big of a difference. A lot of players move the meter, he really moves the meter.”

Just a little.

Cover Image via Instagram