Tiger Woods: The man with hundreds of shadows

Photo at top: Tiger Woods signing a Genesis Invitational flag following his press conference on Tuesday. (Michaela Schirra/MEDILL)

By Michaela Schirra
Medill Reports

Among the silence and birds chirping at Riviera Country Club, spectators waited with baited breath to see Tiger Woods swing.

From hole to hole, massive crowds of fans trailed and cheered for Woods as he attempted to conquer the course at the Genesis Invitational.

Spectators follow Woods as he plays the 2nd hole on Thursday. (Michaela Schirra/MEDILL)

Coming off his Masters win in 2019, Woods served as tournament host at the Invitational, an event the California-native has never won. 

During a press conference on Tuesday, Woods talked about the event’s impact on the TGR Foundation in addition to his expectations for the tournament. 

“It’s been tremendous for us to be able to come back to this area where it all started and to have this type of event,” Woods said. 

Within the mass of attendees are fans of Woods, whether they’ve been following his career for years or simply tagging along because of his role as host. Josh Metz, longtime Woods fan, finally had the opportunity to see his favorite player on Thursday. 

Josh Metz (R) and friend supporting Tiger Woods at the Genesis Invitational. (Michaela Schirra/MEDILL)

“He got me into golf to begin with,” Metz said. “I’ve never seen Tiger Woods before, and it’s a dream come true.”

While Metz showed his dedication by attending in spite of injury, other fans showed their support through fashion. Chad Post, a Woods follower since 1997, chose to wear a full tiger suit in support of the  44-year-old golfer.

Chad Post wearing a full tiger costume to support who he called the “greatest player of all time.” (Michaela Schirra/MEDILL)

“I feel like what he’s doing now at this point in his career is nothing short of miraculous,” Post said. “He’s coming back at this age and still competing with these [younger] guys that are amazing, and he’s winning still.”

A fan records Woods’ putt on the 7th hole during Round 2. (Michaela Schirra/MEDILL)

Cellphones were held high to capture a photo of Woods on the course. After Woods’ stroke, spectators chatted amongst themselves, referring to Woods as “the greatest,” or an “icon.”

Spectators watching Woods on the 9th hole, his last of the day on Friday. (Michaela Schirra/MEDILL)

After the swing, cheers erupted as the crowd congratulated Woods on his shot.

Photo at top: Tiger Woods signing a Genesis Invitational flag following his press conference on Tuesday. (Michaela Schirra/MEDILL)