Overview
- Speaking ahead of the event in La Quinta, he said he feels capable of earning places in the PGA Tour’s Signature Events this season.
- He is playing on a major medical exemption, missed the Sony Open due to his exemption priority, and plans to add Torrey Pines next week.
- He underwent artificial disc replacement on May 23, 2025 after conservative care failed, which ended his 2025 season but restored disc height and relieved nerve pain.
- His competitive return in December at the Nedbank Golf Challenge produced a T15 finish with rounds of 75-71-68-67.
- He described pushing 36-hole days and simplifying his swing after years of compensating for a compromised back, following an earlier microdiscectomy in 2023.