Tiger Woods facing into a competitive dilemma as final hole ever nearer

It is remarkable he remains active at the summit of golf, such has been the scale of his injuries, but his aspirations appear unattainable

STRUGGLES: Tiger Woods adjusts his cap after a disappointing approach shot in to the 12th green during his final round at the Genesis Invitational at Riviera Country Club on Sunday. Woods admits his recovery process after play is becoming ever harder. Pic: Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

It would be quite the story if Tiger Woods turned up at a tournament and announced he was there only to make up numbers. Eyebrows were raised when Woods used pre-tournament media duties at the Genesis Invitational last week to assert he was in California to win, seven months after his last competitive round, but this was Woods in natural form. When the 47-year-old senses he cannot trade blows with the best in the world he will quietly exit stage left.

Woods must realise that time is fast approaching. He surely comprehends the competitive dilemma he finds himself stuck within. Making the cut at the Genesis was a fine achievement – Matt Fitzpatrick, Justin Rose, Jordan Spieth and Sam Burns did not – but Woods wants to be judged by loftier standards. The victor, Jon Rahm, finished 16 shots better off than the 15-times major champion, who tied for 45th. Rahm, the world No 1 once more, recorded four sub‑70 rounds.