A new clothing line. New caddie. Same old Tiger Woods? We’re about to find out, with Woods making his return to the PGA Tour in Thursday’s Round 1 of the Genesis Invitational at Riviera Country Club.

Woods hasn’t finished an official Tour event since last year’s Genesis, where he finished T-45 before succumbing to injuries and playing just two full rounds the rest of the year. 

This comeback has a different aura to it – Woods has stated his intent to play a lot more golf than he has the past several years, perhaps as much as a tournament every month. Also, he just debuted his new apparel line, Sun Day Red, after ending a decades-long relationship with Nike over the past year. 

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Most importantly, Woods is physically more prepared than he’s been in recent years and seems about as healthy as his body will allow these days. There’s excitement on the horizon for his competitive outlook for the first time in a long time. 

It’s always touch-and-go with Woods these days given how many city miles he has on the gas tank. But the 2024 Genesis is a chance for another fresh start and perhaps a springboard for a big year for Woods with the Masters just two months away. 

Tiger Woods Odds & Props At Genesis Invitational

Woods To Make The Cut 

Odds: -110 with DraftKings

This is a good price for a Woods to make the cut given the circumstances. There are only 70 players on the field this week. The top 50 and ties will advance to the weekend, as will anyone within 10 shots of the lead. If scoring is relatively high, there’s a chance only a handful of players - if that -  will be heading home early. 

While Woods has notably never won at Riviera, he’s cut in 10 of 11 starts as a professional and knows the course better than almost anyone else in the field. Weather doesn’t look like it’ll be much of an issue on Thursday or Friday, and in recent years the third and fourth rounds have been far more taxing on Woods. 

Regardless of how he finishes, we’ll back Woods to stick around for the weekend. 

Tiger Woods Round 1 Over 70.5 

Odds: -105 with DraftKings

While we do love Woods’ chances to make the cut, we’re not expecting him to shoot to the top of the leaderboard on day one.

This is always a crazy week for Woods whether he’s playing or not. The California native also serves as tournament host here and that adds endless obligations and responsibilities on top of his normal media and business dealings from week to week. 

Woods has also been working on the Sun Day Red brand, with press conferences and who knows how many fittings and meetings behind the scenes. 

We wouldn’t be surprised to see Woods take it low in Round 1, after he’s had a chance to shake the rust off and get dialed in. But we expect something around even-par 71 or 72 to ease into things on Thursday at Riviera. We’re on Over 70.5 for Woods in Round 1. 

Justin Thomas Over Tiger Woods/Gary Woodland Round 1 

Odds: -125 with BetMGM

Woods and Thomas in the same group for the opening rounds has become a Genesis tradition in recent years, with Gary Woodland rounding out the trio. We like Thomas to shoot the lowest score of the three at -125 odds. 

While Woodland has played well here in the past, he’s still looking to get back into form after having surgery in recent months to remove a brain tumor. His recovery seems to be going great and that’s welcomed news on Tour, where Woodland is one of the most well-liked guys out there. He is coming off a solid 67 in Round 2 of the Phoenix Open, but he still missed the cut having opened with a 77. 

Thomas has finished T-12 or better in his three events this season and is looking to get back to his spot among the top players in the world. Solid starts have been a big part of it, with Thomas shooting 65, 68, and 69 over his last three opening rounds. 

Woods and Thomas are very comfortable playing together, and Thomas will never get overwhelmed by the crowds and attention that Woods draws. We like him to dial in and shoot a number on Thursday, going lower than Woods and Woodland in the process.