Tiger Woods called Anthony Kim's first victory in nearly 16 years "very touching" and indicated he may compete at the Masters in April or on the Champions Tour.
Woods made the remarks at a press conference on Feb. 17 local time in Los Angeles for the PGA Tour's Genesis Invitational, which carries a $20 million purse. Woods hosts the tournament.
Asked about Kim, who won the LIV Golf Adelaide event in Australia on Feb. 15, Woods praised his former rival's talent.
"Anthony Kim was very talented," Woods said. "Whether it was winning at Charlotte or showing tremendous skill at the 2008 Ryder Cup, he was born with a lot of gifts and could hit any shot he wanted."
Woods added: "To see him step away from golf, even leave the game entirely, overcome so many difficulties and then win—seeing his dedication to his family was very touching."
Kim's victory was his first since the 2010 Houston Open on the PGA Tour, a gap of 15 years and 10 months. Born in 1985, Kim was once heralded as Woods' successor but vanished from professional golf in 2012 before returning via LIV Golf in 2024.
In an interview last year, Kim revealed he had contemplated ending his life "almost every day for 20 years" and had become dependent on alcohol and drugs during his PGA Tour career. He credited his wife and daughter with helping him find a new life.
Woods, who underwent spinal disc surgery last October, also addressed his own condition. His last official tournament appearance was The Open in July 2024.
"I'm working every day to get my body to a level where I can compete at the highest level," Woods said.
While declining to set a return date, Woods left open the possibility of playing on the Champions Tour, which is open to players 50 and older.
"Now that I'm in my 50s, that number is starting to feel real," he said. "I'm thinking about opportunities to play with a cart."
Asked whether a return at the Masters in April was unlikely, Woods replied: "No."
On whether he would serve as U.S. Ryder Cup captain in 2027, Woods said he had not yet decided.